Selfies Over Safety: How These Influencers’ Yacht Trip Took a Deadly Turn!

In a heartbreaking incident, two influencers tragically drowned off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil, after refusing to wear life jackets when their party boat sank. The refusal, reportedly due to concerns about how the safety gear would affect their selfies, ended in the loss of their lives.

Aline Tamara Moreira de Amorim, 37, and Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria, 27, were among six passengers on the boat that capsized on September 29th. The vessel was struck by a powerful wave in an area notoriously known as the Devil’s Throat, located between Porchat Island and Xixova-Japui State Park. This dangerous stretch of coastline, favored by surfers for its challenging waves, also conceals perilous currents.

The tragedy unfolded as an overcrowded boat was hit by a large wave, causing it to sink rapidly. According to reports, both women declined to wear life jackets, prioritizing their appearance over their safety. Marcos Alexandre Alfino, a police commissioner in São Vicente, revealed disturbing details of why the influencers chose not to wear the protective gear.

“Some didn’t want to put them on because they were taking selfies,” Alfino explained. He added that the women felt life jackets would interfere with their tanning and, tragically, this decision led to their deaths.

The boat’s captain, one of the five survivors of the incident, stated that he was instructed to take six influencers to the shore, despite the vessel being designed to carry only five people. Overloaded and struck by the force of the wave, the boat could not withstand the weight, leading to its swift sinking. The captain, along with four others, managed to survive, but the situation took a deadly turn for Aline and Beatriz.

The bodies of the victims were recovered in the following days. Beatriz’s remains were found at sea, while Aline’s body washed ashore on October 4th. Both women had posted pictures enjoying the day on a luxurious yacht before the disaster, unaware of the fate that awaited them.

Among the survivors, Vanessa Audrey da Silva recounted the terrifying ordeal. She shared that the group had gathered for a day of partying, which involved splitting into two groups to return to shore on separate vessels. Vanessa managed to grab a life jacket and clung to nearby rocks to survive.

“There was a moment in the water when no one could see anyone. I was fighting for life,” Vanessa recalled. Her account highlights the chaotic and dangerous situation as the boat was engulfed by waves.

Another survivor, Camila Alves de Carvalho, described her struggle for survival. “There were very strong waves, we almost died. We didn’t know how to swim,” she said. Like Vanessa, Camila found herself thrown against the rocks in her desperate attempt to stay alive.

Investigators are now trying to determine if the deaths were the result of negligence. While the overcrowded boat and refusal to wear life jackets were contributing factors, officials are still piecing together whether the tragedy could have been avoided.

Commissioner Alfino shared that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly to establish the exact cause. “All this is being determined very calmly to conclude if the fatalities were based on recklessness or negligence,” he stated.

The Devil’s Throat, known for its strong currents and powerful waves, is a popular spot for thrill-seeking surfers but also presents hidden dangers for those unaware of its treacherous waters. What began as a carefree day on the water for a group of friends ended in unimaginable tragedy, a sobering reminder of the importance of safety, even in the pursuit of the perfect photo.