A sudden, intense storm capsized a recreational motor boat on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin on Friday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of three children.
The vessel was carrying ten passengers when it sank while attempting to reach safety as weather conditions deteriorated rapidly, according to the Lake Geneva police department.
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Emergency responders rescued six adults and one child from the water. The three missing children were later recovered and pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts.
All four children aboard the boat were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
Local authorities used the tragedy to highlight how quickly hazardous conditions can develop on regional waterways.
“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,” the police department said.
The identities of the deceased children have not been released due to the ongoing investigation into the capsizing.
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The severe storm prompted Lake Geneva officials to declare a state of emergency.
High winds caused widespread property damage and downed power lines across the popular summer tourist destination.
Emergency operations were hampered as first responders encountered blocked roadways while trying to reach residents requesting assistance.
“Power lines are all over the place. We are urging people to stay away,” said Tom Hausner, the local undersheriff.
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He added that multiple emergency calls reported people trapped inside buildings, and at least one person suffered minor injuries from a falling tree during the storm.
