Yacht captain 'killed by toilet fumes' as marina worker makes horror discovery

A young boat skipper was discovered dead onboard a 17 metre-long motorboat on Friday — just weeks after attaining his boating licence — as it was moored at the Marina di Portisco, in the municipality of Olbia, in Sardinia, Italy.

An autopsy is due to be carried out shortly for Giovanni Marchionni, 21, but possible causes of his death include inhaling fumes from a chemical toilet or hull batteries, according to regional newspaper L'unione Sarda. 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. The young man, originally from Bacoli, a town near Naples, was discovered unresponsive in the tiny cabin of the boat by a horrified marina worker in Portisco, north-eastern Sardinia. It comes after a dad’s tragic three-word post hours before plunging to his death at Oasis gig.

READ MORE: Man dead and 9 more rushed to hospital after eating broccoli sandwich amid urgent recall

READ MORE: Elderly woman vanishes in car crash - then turns up months later with wild story

Giovanni 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".

He added that the victim was: ""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.

It was reported that 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. As per L'unione Sarda, the Tempio Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation, and the boat has been seized as part of its inquiries.

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 glamorous coastal area in north-eastern Sardinia is renowned for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts.

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.