Four dead after tourist boat capsizes in storm on Italian lake

Italian firefighters said 19 people have been saved. Credit: Vigili del Fuoco

A tourist boat capsized in a storm on Italy’s Lago Maggiore in the northern Lombardy region on Sunday, with at least four people confirmed dead, Italian media reported.

Italian firefighters said on Monday that they have recovered four bodies from a northern Italian lake after a tourist boat capsized in a sudden, violent storm.

Divers searched overnight after a whirlwind overturned the boat carrying more than 20 tourists and crew on Sunday evening. The final body was recovered early Monday.

Firefighters said 19 people have been saved, as many reportedly managed to swim to shore.

Rescue operations were continuing with divers, boats and a helicopter.

Firefighter video showed pieces of wood floating in the lake as a helicopter flew overhead.

The whirlwind was part of a storm system that hit the northern region of Lombardy on Sunday evening, forcing delays at the Malpensa airport.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are in contact with local authorities in Italy after a boat accident and are ready to provide consular assistance to any British nationals involved.”

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