Tourists fall into Venice canal as gondola overturns amid selfie craze

Venice, one of the world's top tourist destinations, is known for its picturesque canals. (Representational image)

A gondola packed with tourists, who were from China, overturned in Venice recently after it lost balance when a few of the passengers allegedly ignored warnings, stood on the boat, and went on a selfie-taking spree, the Guardian reported, quoting local media.

A viral video showed tourists who fell into ice-cold water when the gondola flipped over as it was passing under a bridge in the Italian tourist hotspot. Among those who fell into the water was the gondolier who was navigating the boat.

The boat flipped over when the gondolier was trying to cross a bridge.

An Instagram page called Venezia Non è Disneyland (Venice Is Not Disneyland) showed people wading through the water. One man could be seen jumping into the water and rescuing a person. The page, reportedly run by young Venetians, said the passengers were brought to safety and provided with “hospitality and warmth”.

Venice, one of the world's top tourist destinations, is known for its picturesque canals that wind through the city and serve as the primary mode of transportation.

Hordes of tourists descend each year on Venice to see the sights of the city. As many as 3.2 million stayed overnight in Venice's historic centre last year, according to official data.

Authorities have debated for years -- without taking concrete action -- over how best to regulate the millions of visitors to the famous watery city.