A teenager, working her first day on a Venice catamaran, was killed when she fell in the water, became tangled in a rope and was pulled towards the propeller.
Now, questions are being asked about the lack of safety protocols that led to Anna Chiti’s death. According to local media reports, it’s unclear if the dayworker had a contract as she worked on the charter catamaran for a company that organizes short tourists trips.
Anna fell into the water while the catamaran was docking at Marina di Sant'Elena in windy weather. According to reports, she tried to jump to the dock while holding a rope but fell; the rope tangled around her arm and got caught in the propeller. The captain dove in but was unable to disentangle her. Firefighters and paramedics arrived soon after; paramedics attempted to revive her after a diver brought her back to the surface. Local reports described her as having a large head wound from the propeller.
“She wasn’t ready to handle a boat or do maneuvers,” her father, Umberto Chiti, told local media. “She was hired because she spoke good English. But on a boat that carries tourists there should have been more staff, not my daughter alone with a sailor.”
On social media, yachting industry professionals reacted with shock.
“As professionals in the yachting industry, we must do better,” crewing manager and career consultant Alessandro D’angelo wrote on LinkedIn. “Recruiting crew is not just about filling a position. It’s about safety, responsibility, and ensuring that those stepping on board, especially the youngest, are protected, trained, and treated with the seriousness this profession deserves. Let this heartbreaking event be a wake up call: Always work with trusted, qualified, and honest professionals. Because the sea gives a lot, but takes without warning.”
According to reports, Anna was from Treviso but was studying at a nautical institute in Venice. Local authorities are now investigating the details of the accident, including her work status.