Accident on the Waterways of Venice: Boat Crashes and Canal Chaos
Venice, the Italian city famed for its canals and gondolas, has once again been in the spotlight due to a boat‑related accident that unfolded on its historic waterways.
On 12 December 2025, authorities confirmed that a woman stole a delivery boat loaded with parcels and crashed it into the iconic Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. Videos circulating on social media showed the small vessel striking the bridge’s stone structure before rebounding and damaging a marble balustrade near the landmark. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and police quickly detained the suspect, who is expected to face legal proceedings in Venice. Restoration experts will now assess and repair the historic bridge’s damaged elements.
This incident follows a longer history of boating accidents in Venice. In previous years, large cruise liners such as the MSC Opera lost control while navigating the Giudecca Canal, colliding with docks and smaller tourist boats and causing panic and several minor injuries. Such events have reignited debates about the safety and presence of massive vessels in Venice’s delicate lagoon.
Venice’s narrow canals, heavy tourist traffic, and mix of motorized vessels and traditional boats make navigation a constant challenge, and local authorities continue to explore measures to enhance safety on the water.