These Two Guys Who Illegally Surfed Down Venice’s Canals Have Been Caught And Fined
Two young men were spotted surfing through Venice’s Grand Canal on Wednesday August 10, causing a strong official condemnation.
Two young men were spotted surfing through Venice’s Grand Canal on Wednesday August 10, causing a strong official condemnation.
In a video recorded by onlookers, the pair are seen on electric surfboards, jetting quickly between boats in the waterway in the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The incident drew the condemnation of Venice’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, who called for the the men to be identified and punished.
“Here are two arrogant imbeciles who make a mockery of this city,” Brugnaro wrote on Twitter, offering to buy dinner for anyone who identified the men.
The pair were eventually caught by police and fined €1,500 (US$1,527) for “endangering the safety of navigation along the canal,” according to the BBC.
Besides having their surfboards confiscated, they were also expelled from the city and face charges for allegedly damaging the image of the city, according to local outlet Il Gazzettino, the BBC reported.
Venice has numerous rules on tourists’ behavior, with violators facing fines.
The rules were introduced after numerous incidents of tourists causing damage or disturbing residents, according to The Local.
