Porto Venere autopsy reveals head injuries consistent with boat propeller

An autopsy performed on 21-year-old Sebastiano Piaggi has revealed head injuries consistent with being struck by a boat propeller. Piaggi died after falling into the water during a holiday outing near Porto Venere on Ferragosto.

The medical examination identified three wounds to the head, skull fractures, and significant hemorrhaging. Forensic experts noted that the severity of the trauma was such that death would have occurred even if immediate rescue had been possible.

Authorities in Spezia have opened an investigation into nautical homicide. A 21-year-old man from Spezia, who was operating the rented motorboat at the time of the incident, has been placed under investigation. Piaggi's body was recovered from among the rocks near the site of the accident by the Spezia Coast Guard.