Three children die after boat capsizes on Wisconsin lake

Three children died Friday after a recreational boat carrying 10 people capsized and sank on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin as a sudden severe storm swept across the area, authorities said.

The privately owned motor boat had six adults and four children aboard when weather conditions deteriorated rapidly, the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency said. The boaters tried to reach safety as wind and waves intensified, but the vessel was overwhelmed, took on water, capsized and eventually sank.

First responders rescued six adults and one child from the water. The survivors told rescuers that three children remained missing.

After what police described as an “intensive search,” the three missing children were found and pulled from the lake. Emergency crews administered lifesaving measures at the scene, and EMTs continued treatment as the children were taken to local medical facilities. All three were pronounced dead.

Officials said all four children aboard the boat were wearing life jackets when it capsized. The victims’ names have not been released pending notification of their families. CBS News Chicago, citing a source, reported that the three victims are believed to have been under 13.

The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are investigating the capsizing. Both agencies extended condolences to the children’s relatives and friends.

“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 harbor immediately when threatening weather approaches.”

Lake Geneva officials declared a state of emergency because of the storm, The Guardian reported. Storm damage was reported throughout the area, a popular summer recreation destination in southern Wisconsin.

Walworth County undersheriff Tom Hausner said at a news conference that strong winds knocked down trees and power lines and damaged buildings. Officials received several 911 calls reporting damage, people trapped in buildings and residents seeking help, he said. Deputies were delayed in responding to some calls because of fallen power lines and debris.

“Power lines are all over the place. We are urging people to stay away,” Hausner said.

At least one person suffered minor injuries after being struck by a fallen tree, The Guardian reported.

The storm hit as much of the United States faced extreme heat heading into the Independence Day holiday weekend marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Guardian reported. About 250 million people were told to expect dangerous heat as temperatures rose nationwide.

Authorities said no further information about the boat capsizing had been released.