Two influencers, Aline Tamara Moreira de Amorim, 37, and Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria, 27, tragically drowned during a yacht party near São Paulo after refusing to wear life jackets. According to reports, the women declined the safety gear, citing concerns that it would ruin their tans and interfere with taking selfies. The incident occurred on an overcrowded speedboat in the Devil’s Throat area of the Iguazu River, a location known for its dangerous waters.
The Incident and Risky Decisions
Amorim and Faria were returning from the yacht party when the boat, which was carrying six people instead of its intended five, capsized due to rough waves. Despite the captain’s warnings and attempts to ensure everyone’s safety, the influencers chose to prioritize their social media appearance over life-saving precautions. Tragically, this decision led to their deaths when the boat overturned.
Amorim’s body was later found washed ashore on Itaquitanduva Beach. Just hours before the tragedy, she had posted photos on social media, documenting the party and emphasizing her desire to share the experience online. Survivors, including Vanessa Audrey da Silva, who chose to wear a life jacket, shared their chilling stories of the event. Da Silva survived by clinging to a rock until help arrived, highlighting the life-saving importance of wearing safety gear in such perilous environments.
Social Media Obsession and Risky Stunts
This heartbreaking event is not isolated. Increasingly, social media influencers are engaging in risky behavior to gain attention and likes. In similar incidents, influencers have risked their lives to capture the perfect selfie. Earlier this year, Chinese influencer Huang Lihong tragically fell into Indonesia’s Ijen volcano while trying to get a perfect shot. A British influencer, aged 26, also died after climbing a high bridge in Spain for a selfie despite the hazardous conditions.
These incidents reflect a disturbing trend where individuals prioritize social media fame over personal safety, with disastrous consequences. Experts are raising concerns about the growing number of deaths and injuries linked to dangerous stunts for content.
Growing Concerns and Calls for Action
A study from the University of New South Wales in 2023 revealed the alarming rise in injuries and fatalities related to selfies, particularly in high-risk areas. This research highlights the need for urgent safety measures, such as signs and regulations, at popular tourist spots to prevent future tragedies. Experts are calling for a shift in behavior, urging both influencers and the public to carefully consider the dangers of their actions for the sake of social media popularity.
The recent deaths of Aline Tamara Moreira de Amorim and Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria serve as a grim reminder of the risks involved in seeking viral moments online. As the global obsession with selfies continues, the need for safety interventions becomes more pressing to avoid further loss of life.
