Man 'forced overboard' dies as crowd shouts 'drown him' in boat footage

A 22 year old reveller has tragically drowned in a reservoir after allegedly being forced overboard following a confrontation on a party boat.

On May 24, Alexander Avendaño Varela boarded a party vessel at the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir in Guatapé, Colombia, but what should have been an enjoyable outing descended into tragedy. Disturbing footage captured an altercation unfolding on deck, for reasons that remain unclear, amongst a large gathering of young partygoers.

The group were pushing and shouting, and at one point Alexander Avendaño Varela appeared cornered at the edge of the deck, missing his trousers and trainers. A struggle ensued between Alexander and fellow revellers, but within seconds the visibly terrified young man went over the railing and plunged into the water.

Unable to stay afloat, he desperately thrashed his arms before disappearing beneath the surface moments later. Not a single person jumped in to save Alexander, and the boat continued along its route.

An extensive search operation was subsequently launched, involving at least 14 divers, as reported by NeedToKnow. However, deep water and poor visibility severely hindered the recovery effort, and Alexander’s body was retrieved several days later.

Since the footage emerged on social media, authorities have been working to establish whether criminal charges could be brought against anyone involved.

Some individuals heard in the recording can be identified warning that Alexander, originally from Medellín, was unable to swim, while others were heard shouting: “Drown him!”

None of those aboard appeared to be wearing life jackets, despite mandatory safety regulations on tourist vessels owing to a long history of drowning incidents.

The Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, spanning more than 2,262 hectares and plunging to depths of up to 45m (148ft), is amongst Colombia’s most celebrated tourist destinations.

Approximately 50 people are believed to have lost their lives in the reservoir over the past decade, with swimming strictly forbidden.

Investigators are continuing to gather statements from those who were present at the party.