Father drowns rescuing family in Italy's Tagliamento River

On 11 July 2026 a 38‑year‑old Azerbaijani father died after diving into the Tagliamento River near the A4 bridge at Ronchis di Latisana, Udine province, to rescue his wife and two daughters (aged 9 and 11) who were struggling against the current. He succeeded in bringing his wife and both girls to safety; however one girl suffered a severe drowning syndrome and remains in critical condition, while the other is reported to be stable.

Fire‑brigade units from Latisana, divers from Trieste, a rescue helicopter from Venice and a boat crew from Portogruaro conducted a large‑scale search. After about an hour and a half the body of the father was recovered downstream by the rescue teams. The incident prompted a review of river safety as locals and other Azerbaijani families were present at the site.