A huge vessel crashed into a wharf and tourist boat in Venice on June 2. The incident has sparked protest organised by activists who want cruise ships banned.
“The images coming out of Venice do not need many words,” No Big Ships, the activist group, said in a statement. “A large ship threatened to trigger a tragedy. One wonders how it is possible that, despite Venetian citizens asking for years that these polluting monsters be blocked from the lagoon, nothing has been done yet.”
Four people were injured in the crash.
As reported by The Guardian, Danilo Toninelli, M5S’s transport minister, said a solution for an alternative route would soon be found and that his party was in favour of closing off the Giudecca canal – the main thoroughfare that leads to St Mark’s Square – to big ships.
“But first it is necessary to find an alternative, the definitive one and a provisional one, so that Venice does not lose cruise tourism,” Toninelli said. “After years of stalling, we are close to a solution that is capable of finally holding together all the interests on the field.”
