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Need To Know > World > Non-swimmer, 22, drowns after being ‘forced’ over edge of party boat
A 22-year-old non-swimmer was allegedly forced off a Colombian party boat and drowned - shocking footage shows bystanders warning he could not swim as he disappeared.
World

Non-swimmer, 22, drowns after being ‘forced’ over edge of party boat

William McGee
Last updated: June 1, 2026 12:23 pm
William McGee Published June 1, 2026
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The altercation on the boat leading to Alexander Avendaño Varela ending up in the water. (Picture: Jam Press)
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A 22-year-old non-swimmer drowned in a reservoir after being allegedly forced over the edge of a party boat.

Shocking footage shows an altercation taking place on board, for reasons that remain unclear, among a large group of young revellers.

Shoving could be seen on a narrow section of the deck, beside a broken basin, while shouting could be heard.

READ MORE: Australian tourist rips shirt off and trashes cafe, causing £14,000 worth of damage

At one point, Alexander Avendaño Varela appeared, cornered at the edge of the deck and missing his trousers and trainers.

A young woman could be seen holding a pair of jeans just before a scuffle broke out between her, Alexander and other partygoers.

Seconds later, the visibly frightened young man went over the railing and into the water.

He was seen thrashing his arms as he struggled, before disappearing beneath the surface moments later.

Nobody jumped in to rescue Alexander, and the boat continued on its route.

The incident unfolded at the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir in Guatapé, Colombia, on 24 May.

A 22-year-old non-swimmer was allegedly forced off a Colombian party boat and drowned - shocking footage shows bystanders warning he could not swim as he disappeared.
The last image of Alexander Avendaño Varela. (Picture: Jam Press)

A large search operation was launched, involving at least 14 divers, as reported by Need To Know.

However, deep water and poor visibility hampered efforts, and Alexander’s body was recovered several days later.

Since the clip emerged on social media, authorities have been working to determine whether anyone could face criminal charges.

Some in the recording could be heard warning that Alexander, originally from Medellín, did not know how to swim, while others shouted: “Drown him!”

A 22-year-old non-swimmer was allegedly forced off a Colombian party boat and drowned - shocking footage shows bystanders warning he could not swim as he disappeared.
The boat. (Picture: Jam Press)
A 22-year-old non-swimmer was allegedly forced off a Colombian party boat and drowned - shocking footage shows bystanders warning he could not swim as he disappeared.
People partying on the boat. (Picture: Jam Press)

None of those on board appeared to be wearing life jackets, despite mandatory safety requirements on tourist boats due to a history of drowning incidents.

The Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, which covers more than 2,262 hectares and reaches depths of up to 45m (148ft), is one of Colombia’s best-known tourist destinations.

Around 50 people are believed to have drowned in the reservoir over the past decade, and swimming is prohibited.

Investigators continue to gather testimonies from those who attended the party.

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TAGGED:boatColombiaCrimedeathdrownedFightHorrorshockingTeenagerVideoworld news
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