Venice lagoon water taxi fatal collision

A boating collision in the Venice lagoon resulted in the deaths of Sean Michieli, 25, and Gabriella Querino, 26, a newlywed couple. The incident occurred in the Tessera Canal when a water taxi struck the couple’s small vessel. Michieli died in the hospital following a head injury, while Querino, who was reportedly pregnant, was recovered near the island of Campalto several days later.

Authorities launched a nautical homicide investigation into the 38-year-old water taxi driver. While the driver claimed he did not see the vessel in the darkness, investigations revealed traces of alcohol and drugs in his blood and urine. Although authorities noted these are traces rather than high levels, further analysis has been ordered to confirm the findings. Prosecutor Daniela Moroni is leading the inquiry into charges of nautical homicide and culpable shipwreck.

Autopsy results from the Mestre Hospital morgue have provided new details, confirming the victims died instantly from severe injuries rather than drowning, as no water was found in their lungs. The forensic examinations revealed extensive and deep injuries exclusively on the left side of their bodies, suggesting the keel of the water taxi may have struck and crushed them.

Legal proceedings continue, including an international rogatory request to interview two American passengers who were on the taxi at the time of the crash. A technical expert assessment is scheduled for September 24 to analyze the accident dynamics and determine the exact trajectory and speed of the vessels. Meanwhile, the owner of the water taxi has applied to transfer the transport license, a move that may affect potential compensation claims for the victims' families.