Tragedy struck on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy as a boat carrying over 20 passengers, including tourists, capsized and sank in strong winds, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening between Sesto Calende and Arona, with reports indicating that the boat overturned due to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds.
Five people were rescued and subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment. While unconfirmed, Italian media have suggested that the passengers onboard the boat were of British, Italian, and Israeli nationality.
Attilio Fontana, the president of the Lombardy region, described the incident as a “very serious” one caused by the inclement weather. Fontana shared on Facebook that the boat, which was approximately 16 meters (52 feet) long, had been rented by tourists.
Reports indicate that the boat was carrying around 25 people who were celebrating a birthday when a storm developed over the lake, escalating into what was described as a “small hurricane.” Shortly after, the boat capsized and sank.
Although all individuals on board ended up in the water, many managed to swim to safety or were rescued by other boats. The authorities promptly dispatched rescue divers, helicopters, and emergency services to aid in the search and rescue efforts.
Videos shared by firefighters showcased debris and chairs floating in the choppy waters of the lake.
Lake Maggiore, a popular tourist destination shared by Italy and Switzerland, is situated on the southern side of the Alps.
#LVCRUISE24
— Louis Vuitton (@LouisVuitton) May 26, 2023
Women’s Cruise 2024 Show. #Felix, #Yaya, #JadenSmith, and House Ambassador #AliciaVikander reflect on @TWNGhesquiere’s dream-like collection on Isola Bella in Lake Maggiore, Italy. Watch the full show at https://t.co/Gig9iByJVM pic.twitter.com/yx9cEtaUsU
The region has experienced adverse weather conditions recently, prompting the Italian meteorological service to issue thunderstorm warnings.