Tourist couple expelled from Venice after diving into city canals
Venice authorities removed two tourists from the historic city last week after they were caught illegally swimming in its famous canals. According to officials, the travelers — a 35-year-old British man and a 25-year-old Romanian woman — were seen diving into the waters of the Grand Canal and the Rio di San Vidal, close to the British Consulate.
Local gondoliers at the San Vidal station quickly alerted police, who responded with a service boat to escort the pair out of the canal.
City regulations strictly prohibit bathing in Venice’s waterways, citing the need to protect public hygiene, urban cleanliness, and safety. Those who violate the rules face fines and bans from the areas where the offense takes place.
Authorities confirmed the tourists were fined €529 each and ordered to leave the historic center for 48 hours, effectively cutting short their stay.
Venice Security Councilor Elisabetta Pesce praised the gondoliers for promptly reporting the incident, saying the administration would continue to act firmly against behavior that disrespects the city. “Protecting Venice means defending the dignity of a unique city and ensuring the dignity of those who live here,” she said in a statement.