Natural Selection: Two Instagram Models Drown After Refusing Life Jackets in Pursuit of the Perfect Tan
Tragedy struck on September 29 when two Instagram models, Aline Tamara Moreira de Amorim, 37, and Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria, 27, lost their lives in a fatal boat accident in Devil’s Throat along the Iguazu River in Brazil. The women, returning from a yacht party, met their untimely demise when the speedboat they were on capsized.
Despite warnings from the boat captain and others, the models made a fatal decision to forego life jackets, fearing it would ruin their tans or photos. São Vicente Police Commissioner Marcos Alexandra Alfino revealed, “Some didn’t want to put them on because they were taking selfies. They said that they get in the way of their tanning.”
The tragic incident unfolded due to overcrowding on the speedboat. The boat, meant to carry five passengers, was burdened with six, including the ill-fated models. As a result, the vessel succumbed to the weight and rough water conditions, leading to the fatal capsizing.
Despite the captain's efforts to rescue the passengers, he was unable to reach the models in time. Faria’s body was discovered by Brazil’s Maritime Firefighters after drifting out to sea, while Amorim’s body was recovered from Itaquitanduva Beach a week later.
Amorim’s final moments were captured on social media, where she shared images of herself in a baby blue bikini aboard the yacht. The tragic outcome serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of prioritizing aesthetics over safety.
Vanessa Audrey da Silva, one of the survivors, recounted the harrowing experience of clinging to a rock after the boat capsized. “There was a moment in the water when no one could see anyone,” she recalled. “I was fighting for my life.”
Regrettably, this incident is not an isolated one within the realm of social media influencers. In recent months, the community has mourned the loss of several personalities. In October, Ana Fabiola, an Instagram model, was tragically found stabbed to death in her home. Prior to that, TikToker Demaris Martinez met her demise after being struck by two vehicles while crossing a busy highway.
These unfortunate events underscore the importance of prioritizing safety over aesthetics and social media appearances. While the pursuit of the perfect tan or photo may seem appealing, it should never come at the cost of one’s life. Let this serve as a cautionary tale to all, emphasizing the critical need to prioritize personal safety above all else.