Malfunctioning Alilaguna Ferry Slams Into Gondolas Throwing Tourists Into Water Before Crashing Into Historic Buildings on Venice Grand Canal

A routine Sunday sightseeing trip in Venice quickly turned into a dramatic scene straight out of a disaster movie.

Footage circulating online shows a tour ferry losing control on the Grand Canal, slamming into gondolas, and sending terrified holidaymakers plunging into the water before finally crashing into a historic building.

The incident took place near the Rialto Bridge, one of the city’s busiest and most iconic spots.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bystanders shouting and rescuers jumping into action to help people who had fallen into the canal.

What Happened on the Water

According to local reports, the Alilaguna ferry experienced a mechanical failure before reaching the Rialto Bridge.

The vessel couldn’t change gears, leaving the captain struggling to control its speed and direction.

In an attempt to navigate, the ferry maneuvered around two police boats that had begun trailing it when officers realized something was wrong.

The uncontrolled ferry scraped under the Rialto Bridge, struck the Fondaco dei Tedeschi pier, and collided with two gondolas carrying tourists.

The impact sent the gondoliers and passengers into the canal.

Moments later, the vessel smashed into a building along the Rio delle Poste before coming to a halt.

Rescue Efforts and Injuries

Rescuers acted quickly, pulling nine people from the water.

Fortunately, all were treated for minor bruises and early signs of hypothermia. No serious injuries were reported.

Alilaguna’s president, Fabio Sacco, emphasized the importance of human safety: “It appears no one was injured, that’s the most important thing.”

The ferry’s captain, visibly distressed after the crash, was taken to a hospital for medical checks, including alcohol and drug testing.

The damaged vessel is scheduled to be towed to a shipyard for repairs.

Sacco reassured the public, saying, “Objects can be repaired, unlike people, for whom the worst was feared before knowing they were not in danger.”

Damage to Gondolas and Buildings

While people escaped major injury, the property damage was significant.

The affected gondolas were left badly damaged, and the ferry’s bow was smashed.

Historic structures along the canal also sustained minor impacts, though fortunately no structural collapses occurred.

Social media exploded with reactions as the video of the crash went viral.

Many expressed relief at the absence of serious injuries, while others criticized the busy traffic of large boats in Venice’s narrow waterways.

What’s Next?

Venice’s police navigation unit is conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what went wrong.

The findings could influence stricter regulations for large tour boats navigating the Grand Canal, a waterway already notorious for congestion and narrow passages.

Alilaguna has promised a detailed review of their procedures to prevent future accidents.

Authorities are also monitoring the repair and inspection of the damaged gondolas and the ferry to ensure it meets safety standards before returning to service.

Summary

A Sunday sightseeing trip on Venice’s Grand Canal turned into chaos when a malfunctioning Alilaguna ferry crashed into gondolas and a historic building.

Nine people fell into the water but were rescued with minor injuries, and the ferry’s captain is under medical review.

The incident sparked debate about traffic management on Venice’s waterways, highlighting the delicate balance between tourism and safety in one of the world’s most famous canals.