Three children died and seven other people are recovering after a boat capsized Friday in rough weather on Geneva Lake, according to local and state authorities.

Ten people in total were on a privately owned boat when a sudden storm created dangerous conditions on the southeastern Wisconsin lake, according to the city of Lake Geneva Police Department.

Six adults and one child were rescued from the water by first responders, according to local officials.

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What led up to the capsizing of the boat is being investigated, authorities say. No names are being released at time of publication.

In a Facebook post, the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency said the boat was out on the water Friday afternoon, when “sudden and severe” weather moved in. Geneva Lake is about an hour southwest of Milwaukee.

“A privately owned recreational motorboat carrying ten occupants — six adults and four children — attempted to navigate to safety as weather conditions deteriorated,” the agency said.

While underway and trying to return to shore, the vessel was overwhelmed by severe wind and waves, the agency said. The boat took on water, capsized and then sank.

First responders started a rescue, and were able to pull seven people from the water after the ship went down, according to authorities.

All four children involved in the incident were wearing life jackets at the time they went into the water, the agency said.

“Responders were advised that three children remained missing,” the post states. “Following an intensive search, the three missing children were located and recovered from the lake.”

First responders took lifesaving measures from the moment they were recovered and until they were taken to local medical facilities, according to authorities.

“Despite these exhaustive efforts, all three children were later pronounced deceased,” the post states.

The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are conducting a joint investigation into the incident, according to official statements.

“This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly severe weather can develop on area waterways,” the post states. “We strongly urge all boaters to closely monitor weather forecasts, remain vigilant of changing atmospheric conditions, and seek safe harbor immediately when threatening weather approaches.”

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