British tourist, 31, is found dead in Venice canal after going for a walk on his own
A 31-year-old British tourist has been found dead after falling into a canal in Venice last night, according to reports.
The man’s body was seen floating in the Rio de Santa Marina by a passerby at approximately 6:30pm – ambulance, police and firefighters were swiftly called.
Personnel hoisted his body aboard a fireboat and moored in a nearby dock to perform CPR and other emergency procedures but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial investigations suggest drowning was the cause of death but all explanations are being considered.
The tourist was holidaying with his wife and had only arrived to the Italian city that same morning, according to The Voice of Venice.
Earlier in the day, the man decided to take a solo afternoon walk while his wife remained at the hotel.
The couple were lodging at the Hotel Antico Doge which is around an eight-minute walk from the scene, Rio de Santa Marina near Campo Santa Maria Formosa in the Castello district.
There are currently believed to be no eyewitnesses and it is unknown how long the body had been in the water before it was discovered.
His wife was later notified of the incident by authorities.
The pair were allegedly staying at Hotel Antico Doge located in the heart of Venice. The wife remained at the hotel while the man took himself on an afternoon walk but never returned
At present, police believe drowning was the cause of death of the 31-year-old British tourist – but authorities are considering an autopsy. It is currently unknown for how long his body was floating in the canal
Rescuers performed CPR and other emergency procedure but to no avail
The fatality comes after a British couple were banned from Venice because they were caught jumping into the Grand Canal on the last day of their vacation.
The pair were seemingly taking a dip in the canal when they were spotted by gondoliers and reported to police.
They were each fined £390 and ordered by authorities to leave the city for 48 hours.
Swimming in the Floating City’s 150 canals is strictly prohibited due to the dangers of the gondolas and motorboats which pass through the water.
Last night’s incident draws attention to the issue of safety along the city’s waterfront.