Two influencers drowned after reportedly ‘refusing to wear life jackets’ as they would ‘ruin their tans and selfies.’
Two influencers tragically drowned in the Iguazu River after reportedly refusing to wear life jackets, prioritizing their tans and selfies over safety. The incident has sparked discussions about the dangerous lengths some go to for social media content.
A Tragic Day on the Iguazu River
Aline Tamara Moreira de Amorim, 37, and Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria, 27, were aboard an overcrowded speedboat that capsized in the notorious Devil’s Throat area of the Iguazu River. Despite warnings from the boat’s captain about the hazardous conditions, the two influencers allegedly declined life jackets, citing concerns about their appearance for social media posts.
The speedboat, designed to hold five passengers, was carrying six, exceeding its capacity. When the boat overturned in rough waters, Amorim and Faria’s decision not to wear life jackets proved fatal. Amorim’s body was discovered days later washed ashore on Itaquitanduva Beach, while Faria’s remains were also recovered shortly after.
Survivors Speak Out
Vanessa Audrey da Silva, another passenger who chose to wear a life jacket, survived the ordeal. Clinging to a rock until help arrived, she shared harrowing details of the incident. “There was a moment in the water when no one could see anyone,” she recalled. Her decision to follow safety precautions likely saved her life.
Social Media and Risky Behavior
The tragic accident underscores a troubling trend: the willingness to risk personal safety for social media content. Amorim and Faria had posted photos from the yacht party just hours before the accident, emphasizing their desire to document the experience for their followers.
This incident is not an isolated case. Earlier this year, a Chinese influencer, Huang Lihong, fell to her death while attempting to capture the perfect selfie near the Ijen volcano in Indonesia. Similarly, a 26-year-old British influencer lost his life in Spain while climbing a 630-foot bridge in Castilla-La Mancha to create content.
The Growing Concern Over ‘Selfie Deaths’
According to a 2023 study by the University of New South Wales, the rise of “selfie deaths” has become a global issue. These preventable accidents are often linked to individuals prioritizing social media over safety. Popular tourist destinations, especially in India, have seen numerous fatalities due to risky behavior for photos.
Experts are calling for stricter safety measures, including warning signs and regulations at high-risk locations, to mitigate these incidents. The study highlights the need for influencers and the general public to consider the potential consequences of their actions.
Letting the Tragedy Speak for Itself
The story of Amorim and Faria’s untimely deaths doesn’t need moralizing to underscore its gravity. It’s a stark illustration of how chasing online validation can come at a devastating cost. Perhaps their loss will serve as a wake-up call—a moment for reflection on the line between capturing life and risking it. Some lessons are too tragic to ignore.