3 children dead after boat capsizes on Geneva Lake during severe storm

Three children died on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin after a boat capsized during a severe storm Friday. 

The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency said a privately owned recreational boat with six adults and four children onboard was out on the water when a sudden and severe storm moved into the area, creating dangerous conditions. The boat tried to navigate to safety as the weather got worse, but was overwhelmed by severe wind and waves, took on water, capsized and eventually sank.

First responders were called to the scene and were able to rescue the six adults and one child. The boaters told them three children were still missing in the water.

Police said after an “intensive search” the three children were found and pulled from the water. Despite lifesaving measures administered at the scene and continued by EMTs as they were taken to loca medical facilities, all three children were pronounced dead. 

Officials said all four children on board the boat were wear life jackets when it capsized.

A source that spoke to CBS News Chicago said the three victims are believed to all be under the age of 13.

The deaths are under investigation by the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natura Resources. Both agenies extended their condolences to the friends and families of the children. 

The circumstances surrounding the capsizing remain under investigation. The victims have not been identified pending family notification, police said. 

“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.”

No further information has been released.