U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta arrived in Venice on July 17 aboard his superyacht Boardwalk to conduct a Freedom 250 Coastal Diplomacy Tour marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The vessel berthed at Riva dei Sette Martiri near St. Mark's Square during preparations for the Festa del Redentore festival, prompting tightened security and planned protests by the Morion social centre. All verified details derive from Straits Times and Al-Monitor reporting.