This is the moment a malfunctioning tour boat slammed into gondolas on Venice’s Grand Canal, sending holidaymakers tumbling into the water.

Dramatic footage shows the vessel speeding towards the iconic boats before ploughing into them, knocking passengers into the canal, and crashing head-on into historic buildings.

Rescuers rushed to pull holidaymakers from the water as it churned violently from the impact, while shocked bystanders could be heard shouting as the chaotic scene unfolded on Sunday.

According to local media, the Alilaguna ferry broke down before reaching the Rialto Bridge and was unable to shift gears. 

It manoeuvred to avoid two police boats, which then began following it after realising something was wrong.

The out-of-control water taxi passed under the Rialto arch, scraping along the bridge, before striking the Fondaco dei Tedeschi pier.

It then hit one gondola before colliding with a second carrying tourists, tipping them and the gondolier into the water. 

Moments later, it smashed into a building on the Rio delle Poste and finally came to a halt.

This is the moment a malfunctioning tour boat slammed into gondolas on Venice’s Grand Canal, sending holidaymakers tumbling into the water

Dramatic footage shows the vessel speeding towards the iconic boats before ploughing into them, knocking passengers into the canal, and crashing head-on into historic buildings

According to local media, the Alilaguna ferry broke down before reaching the Rialto Bridge and was unable to shift gears

Rescuers rushed to pull holidaymakers from the water as it churned violently from the impact, while shocked bystanders could be heard shouting as the chaotic scene unfolded on Sunday

Nine people were pulled from the water and treated for bruises and early signs of hypothermia, according to local reports.

The local police navigation unit is investigating the incident. 

Alilaguna President Fabio Sacco said: ‘It appears no one was injured, that’s the most important thing.

‘Our employee, who was very distressed, was taken to the hospital to undergo all the necessary tests, including alcohol and drug tests. 

‘The speedboat will be towed to a shipyard for investigation and then repairs: objects can be repaired, unlike people, for whom the worst was feared before knowing they were not in danger.’

The gondolas were left badly damaged, while the bow of the tour boat was also smashed.

Footage of the crash quickly went viral on social media, with viewers expressing their shock.

‘It’s a miracle they were not injured or worse! That’s a good thing,’ one person wrote.

Another added: ‘Too much traffic. Boats this big shouldn’t go through the Grand Canal. It’s a disgrace.’

A third said: ‘Fortunately, you can see that rescue was immediate.’