According to reports, four people were killed when a tourist boat carrying British visitors celebrating a birthday sank on Lake Maggiore in Italy.
On Sunday evening, May 28, more than 20 tourists and personnel were onboard the yacht in the lake near the Swiss border when it capsized in a whirlwind. Divers combed the water overnight and retrieved four bodies, according to the Mirror.
The majority of the 25 passengers onboard swam ashore between Lisanza and Piccaluga, or were rescued by other vessels.
Five persons were brought to the hospital in “moderately critical” or “not very critical” condition, and 15 more were treated on the scene.
The passengers were helped by an air ambulance, seven road ambulances, and other emergency services.
Four people were killed when a tourist boat capsized on Lake Maggiore.
“Unfortunately, there is news of some missing people,” stated Lombardy President Attilio Fontana in a statement. A severe accident was triggered by a whirlwind.
“Firefighters from the Milan diving unit are on the scene, working alongside the coast guard, air rescue, and Areu ambulances.”
“I am anxiously following the updates from the rescue teams on the ground, whom I thank.”
The vessel was described as a “house-boat” by locals. The whirlwind that flipped the boat was part of a storm that slammed the area on Sunday.
The weather turned perilous at 7 p.m., after the group had gone out on the boat earlier that day to celebrate a birthday.
