Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor:  Alex Cope, Agency: Central European News

Video Credit: CEN

This is the moment a teenager falls into a city canal while hopping between two party boats on his 19th birthday before his dead body was reportedly fished out of the water following a 12-hour search.

The incident was filmed in the neighbourhood of Xochimilco, famous for its canals, the last remnants of a vast water transport system built by the Aztecs, in the central Mexican capital Mexico City.

Due to its historical importance, UNESCO has ruled the canal system as a World Heritage Site.

The young victim, identified as Jose, was celebrating his 19th birthday on board a colourful vessel known locally as a ‘trajinera’ when he tumbled into the water.

Reports said that his large group of friends and family required several boats and after a period of drinking, revellers started hopping from one trajinera to another.

A video filmed by a friend shows someone falling into the canal and disappearing underwater while attempting to jump from one boat to another.

Attendees searched for the fallen teen in the water for several minutes and called the emergency services when they were unable to locate him.

The search team reportedly fished Jose out of the canal 12 hours later.

According to the police, the group of revellers had been drinking alcohol before the incident occurred. Reports state the authorities found 20 empty bottles of beer, rum and whisky on the boats.

The investigation into the teen’s death is ongoing.

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