Three children die after boat capsizes in Wisconsin storm

Three children died after a recreational boat capsized on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin during a sudden and severe storm on Friday, July 3, authorities told CBS News.

The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency said the privately owned vessel was carrying six adults and four children when rapidly deteriorating weather conditions created dangerous waves and strong winds. The boat attempted to reach safety as the storm intensified but was overwhelmed, took on water, capsized and ultimately sank.

Emergency responders rescued all six adults and one child. Survivors told authorities that three children were still missing in the water, prompting what officials described as an “intensive search.”

Police said the three missing children were later located and pulled from the lake. Despite lifesaving measures administered at the scene and continued by emergency medical teams during transport to local medical facilities, all three were pronounced dead.

Authorities confirmed that all four children on board were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.

A source cited by CBS News Chicago said the three victims are believed to have been under the age of 13.

The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are investigating the incident. Officials said the victims’ identities have not yet been released pending notification of their families.

Both agencies extended their condolences to the families and friends of the children.

“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 harbour immediately when threatening weather approaches.”

By Tamilla Hasanova