11-08-2025
Manslaughter investigation as yacht captain 'killed by toilet fumes'
An investigation has been launched after a young boat captain was found dead onboard.
Giovanni Marchionni, 21, is thought to have possibly inhaled fumes from a chemical toilet or hull batteries.
He was found on Friday on a boat which was moored at the Marina di Portisco in the municipality of Olbia in Sardinia, Italy.
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His body will undergo a post-mortem on Wednesday as part of a manslaughter investigation launched by the Tempio Pausania prosecutor's office.
Giovanni had secured a job as captain of the boat after its owner and her family set off for a two-week holiday at sea.
He was discovered unresponsive in the tiny cabin of the boat by a horrified marina worker in Portisco, north-eastern Sardinia.
Giovanni, originally from a town near Naples, previously worked at a shipyard in Licola. He leaves behind his parents and four siblings.
The mayor of Giovanni's hometown, Josi Gerardo Della Ragione, described the cabin as "so cramped that two people couldn't fit inside".
Describing Giovanni, he said: "A cheerful young man, loved by many.
"A dreamer who loved the sea." The mayor declared a day of mourning in the town on the day of the funeral to commemorate Giovanni's life.
Investigators believe Giovanni had been dead for several hours before he was found, with early indications suggesting he may have been overcome by noxious fumes.
A young woman was also reportedly with Giovanni the night before his death but left after noticing a "bad smell".
There were no other guests on the vessel at the time. Specialist hazardous-substance teams, police, and harbour authorities attended the scene to investigate the death.
The Tempio Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation, and the boat has been seized as part of its inquiries, local newspaper L'unione Sarda reports.
Giovanni's grieving family said he had been hired as the skipper for the Costa Smeralda trip, working cash-in-hand and off the books. .
The region is a popular destination for the rich and famous, attracting celebrities, yacht owners and those looking for a high-end holiday experience.
The yacht's owner — a businesswoman from near Naples — insisted he was there as a holiday guest.
Italian publication Il Mattino reported the case has gained national attention and widespread traction online.
Mayor Della Ragione has vowed to stand by the family as they seek answers.
