Tourists were left shocked when a tour guide tumbled off a boat during a guided excursion, apparently after indulging in a little too much alcohol.
The incident, captured on video and viewed over four million times online, shows the guide losing his balance while holding a rowing stick, ultimately plunging backward into the water.
The clip shows a man wearing a cap appearing unsteady as he stands on the boat, which was cruising the iconic canals of Xochimilco near Mexico City, Mexico.
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As the guide fell, a woman sitting nearby quickly jumped up, anticipating the mishap, while another man on board turned immediately to assist.
The guide, visibly distressed, can be seen flailing his arms in the water, as the two passengers worked together to pull him back to safety.
The boat was reportedly the site of a lively celebration, a common occurrence in Xochimilco, an area renowned for its vibrant party culture.
This particular gathering was believed to be a birthday party, according to the outlet vknews24.
At one point during the festivities, a guest offered the guide a drink of mezcal, a two-year-aged spirit, which seemed to take its toll as he later resorted to sitting while attempting to row.
While the canals of Xochimilco are a picturesque and popular party destination, they can also be perilous.
The waters are filled with aquatic plants like water lilies, which can entangle swimmers, making it difficult to stay afloat.
Additionally, the canals feature unpredictable depths and muddy bottoms, further increasing the risks for those who fall in.
The viral video sparked a wave of reactions online, with social media users expressing a mix of concern and criticism.
One commenter, Ruby, speculated, “It seems that he was feeling bad before he fell.”
Another humorously referenced a famous Mexican TV character, saying, “I only thought about El Chavo who disappeared in a matter of seconds, who fell in Xochimilco.”
Others were less forgiving, with one remarking, “An essential requirement for this job is knowing how to swim,” and another labeling the situation as “irresponsible.”
Meanwhile, some expressed sympathy, with one commenter writing, “Oh poor thing, that’s dangerous.”
This incident adds to the cautionary tales surrounding Xochimilco, which, despite its festive charm, has seen its share of accidents over the years.
The mix of alcohol, shallow boats, and unpredictable waters serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in these celebratory settings.
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SOURCE: Tourists stunned as tour guide gets drunk and falls off boat