CARTAGENA — An Italian tourist is in critical condition after being struck by a boat’s propeller while swimming near the Rosario Islands off the coast of Colombia.

The victim was identified as Andrea Varardini Prendiparte, 58, who remains in intensive care at the Medihelp Clinic in the Bocagrande area of Cartagena. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on January 30 while he was swimming outside the designated area for bathers.

According to authorities, Prendiparte suffered severe injuries to his head and body after coming into contact with the vessel’s propeller. He was initially assisted by the captain of the boat and taken to a nearby medical facility before being transferred to Cartagena, where he underwent surgery.

Doctors say his condition remains serious, and his prognosis has not been confirmed.

Colombia’s National Navy has detained the vessel involved in the incident and launched an investigation to determine how the accident occurred and whether safety protocols were violated.