A boat carrying at least 20 tourists and crew members has overturned in a whirlwind on Italy’s Lake Maggiore, killing four people.
Police confirmed to Sky News that the victims are two Italians, one Israeli and one Russian.
Attilio Fontana, president of the Lombardy region, described the incident as “very serious”.
Italy’s fire service said 19 people have been saved, with many reportedly managing to swim to shore.
Image:
Pic: Vigili del Fuoco / Twitter
Image:
Pic: Vigili del Fuoco
According to Italian news site La Repubblica, the boat was carrying up to 25 people who were celebrating a birthday when it capsized and sank.
Earlier reports that British passengers were aboard the vessel have been dismissed.
Firefighter 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 Malpensa airport.
