Three children died after a recreational boat capsized on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin during a sudden and severe storm on Friday, July 2, authorities announced.
According to the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency, the privately owned boat was carrying six adults and four children when rapidly worsening weather created large waves and powerful winds, News.Az reports, citing CBS News.
As the storm intensified, the vessel attempted to reach safety but was overwhelmed by the conditions, took on water, capsized, and eventually sank.
Emergency crews rescued all six adults and one child. The survivors informed authorities that three children were still missing, prompting what officials described as an intensive search operation.
Police later located the three missing children and recovered them from the lake. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene and continued treatment by emergency medical personnel while they were transported to nearby hospitals, all three children were pronounced dead.
Authorities said all four children aboard the boat were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
A source cited by CBS News Chicago said the three victims are believed to have been younger than 13 years old.
The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are investigating the incident. Officials said the identities of the victims have not yet been released as authorities continue notifying their families.
Both agencies expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the children.
“This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly severe weather can develop on area waterways,” police said in a statement. “We strongly urge all boaters to closely monitor weather forecasts, remain vigilant of changing atmospheric conditions, and seek safe harbour immediately when threatening weather approaches.”