Two Brazilian influencers died in a horrific accident at a yacht party off the coast of São Paulo.
The event has caused an important discussion on the dangers of social media culture and the cost of fame, particularly the emphasis on appearances and the extent some people take to get the ‘perfect’ photo.
On September 29, Aline Tamara Moreira de Amorim, 37, and Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria, 27, attended a lavish yacht party with their friends.
The group traveled from São Paulo to Brazil’s coast to capture the day’s highlights for their fans. They loved the sun and surf.
As the day came to an end, six influencers, including Aline and Beatriz, boarded a small speedboat for the return trip to the shore.
However, the return voyage would be far more dangerous than any of them had anticipated.
Despite the captain’s repeated requests that everyone wear life jackets, some passengers reportedly refused, expressing fears that the safety vests would “get in the way of their tanning.”
São Vicente Police Commissioner Marcos Alexandra Alfino subsequently claimed that “some didn’t want to put them on because they were taking selfies” and that they feared the life jackets would disrupt their photos and social media presence.
Unfortunately, the little boat exceeded its limit by transporting six passengers despite being constructed for just five.
The weight made it more prone to the rough waters of Devil’s Throat, a dangerous part of the Iguazu River.
A big wave struck the vessel, causing it to capsize and hurling the passengers into the stormy waters.
Despite the captain’s alleged efforts to save everyone, it was a battle against time and the harsh sea.
Witness evidence highlights the horrific moments when passengers fought for their life.
Vanessa Audrey da Silva, one of the survivors, described how she “clutched to a rock” while fighting the powerful waves and cold water.
“There was a moment in the water when no one could see anyone,” she said.
“I was fighting for my life.”
Another survivor, Camila Alves de Carvalho, reported anxiously clutching a life jacket as she was hurled by the waves, attempting to keep afloat while others vanished from sight.
In the days after the tragedy, the remains of the two influencers were discovered in separate locations.
Beatriz’s body was discovered drifting at sea and later collected by Brazilian Maritime Firefighters.
Aline, who was unable to swim, was found washed up on Itaquitanduva Beach over a week later.
Only hours before the catastrophe, Aline had shared images on social media of herself smiling in her bikini on the yacht, totally unaware of the coming tragedy.
An investigation is ongoing to investigate whether the terrible losses were the consequence of carelessness or recklessness.
Commissioner Alfino highlighted that officials are working “very calmly” to determine what factors contributed to the disaster and whether it might have been prevented.
This terrible tragedy highlights the pressures of online influence, where social media stardom can sometimes outweigh personal safety.
As Brazil mourns the loss of these two lives, the tragedy highlights concerns about social media’s increasing pressures and the price some people are prepared to pay for the perfect picture.
Featured Image Credit: (Instagram/@liih_abencoada)
