Italian Man Dead and Brazilian Wife Missing After Boat Collision in Venice Lagoon

A 25 year old Italian man has died and his 26 year old Brazilian wife remains missing following a boat collision in the Venice lagoon. The incident occurred early Saturday morning near the island of Tessera, close to the local airport, when the couple's small boat collided with a water taxi and sank. Sean Michieli was rescued in critical condition with a head injury and multiple wounds, but doctors later confirmed his death. Gabriela Querino Elorriaga disappeared into the water during the crash.

Search operations involving divers, helicopters, and watercraft have been conducted by the Carabinieri and firefighters. Authorities recovered the sunken vessel and some of the woman's personal belongings, but the search has been complicated by muddy waters and fluctuating tides. The couple had been married for three months and lived in Burano. According to family members, they were likely out searching for bait at the time of the accident.

The Venice Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the crash. Because the water taxi driver is the only witness and there are no cameras in the area, officials noted that reconstructing the dynamics of the collision is difficult. The investigation includes the possibility of nautical homicide. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the case through the Consulate General in Milan to provide assistance to the family.