Three children have drowned after their boat capsized and sank during a fierce storm on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin on Friday. A six-year-old boy and two girls, aged seven and ten, died despite all wearing lifejackets, in a tragedy that underlines how quickly severe weather can overwhelm a vessel on open water.

The 25-foot 2024 Nautique P25 boat was carrying ten people, ranging in age from six to 75, when two large waves crashed over the bow, causing it to take on water and list. A third wave then capsized the vessel, which sank rapidly to the lake bed. A passing boat called 911, and authorities rescued seven passengers, including a 12-year-old boy, but the three children were found by divers 32 feet underwater. They were brought to the surface, given life-saving treatment and taken to hospital, where they were pronounced dead; preliminary information indicated they had suffered no external injuries.