Mysterious Green Hue Takes Over Venice's Grand Canal, Authorities Investigate

A stretch of Venice's Grand Canal turned bright green, prompting police to investigate amid speculation about a stunt by environmentalists. Gondoliers could be seen punting through the phosphorescent waters, while tourists took photographs of the green area, from the Rialto Bridge up and along part of the Canal. The Italian fire service said it was helping the regional environmental protection agency take samples for testing. In 1968, Argentine artist Nicolas Garcia Uriburu dyed the waters of Venice's Grand Canal green with a fluorescent dye during the 34th Venice Biennale in a stunt to promote ecological awareness.