Traces of alcohol and narcotics would have emerged from the tests ordered by the Venice Public Prosecutor's Office into the psychophysical condition of the water taxi driver who struck a small boat in the Lagoon carrying Gabriella Querino Elorriaga and Sean Michieli, killing them. This was revealed today by the Corriere del Veneto. The "traces" were reportedly found in the man's blood and urine, and further analyses will be ordered to confirm the findings. Those who transport passengers are in any case required to have no trace of alcohol or drugs.
Meanwhile, the owner of the water taxi has submitted an application to the Venice City Council's Mobility Office for the transfer of the transport licence. The move could have consequences in the event of any settlement of damages in favour of the victims' families. The prosecutor Daniela Moroni, who is in charge of the investigation file for nautical homicide and negligent shipwreck, has scheduled the appointment of expert witnesses for a consultation on the accident's dynamics for 24 September; an international letter rogatory has also been requested in order to hear as witnesses the taxi's passengers, an American couple who were heading to Tessera airport to return home.
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