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At least four tourists were killed on the Italian side of Lake Maggiore on Sunday evening. Your boat capsized during a party outing.

What we know:

The incident

On Sunday, more than 20 passengers celebrated a birthday party on a rented houseboat. Exactly how many guests were on the boat was still unclear on Monday morning. One thing is clear: they were on the southern tip of Lake Maggiore, about 150 meters from the shore of Lisanza.

Between 6 and 7 p.m., a thunderstorm erupted and eventually capsized the boat. “Actually, it was a beautiful day,” a local resident told “Focus” reporters. But suddenly a thunderstorm came from Milan.

The storm capsized the boat – the exact circumstances are still unclear. The Italian authorities have reported that some passengers managed to save themselves by swimming to shore. Others were fished out of the water by other boats. In addition, two helicopters, helpers from the Coast Guard, fire brigade and divers were on their way to get the victims out of the water.

The victims

For at least four people, two women and two men, all help came too late: the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that a man from Israel was among the dead. Another victim is a Russian national who allegedly had a relationship with the ship's captain.

The Italian authorities also said that two of the victims were Italians working for the secret service. "The two employees, who belong to the intelligence service, attended a social gathering organized to celebrate the birthday of a member of the group," the ministry said.

The warning

It is unclear whether and how the party company was warned. According to Italian meteorologist Mattia Gussoni, strong thunderstorms were warned in the region. However, Swiss meteorologist Jürg Kachelmann says there were only storm warning lights on the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore - not on the Italian side.

The mayor of Sesto Calende, Giovanni Buzzi, told the media: "There have been weather warnings all week." However, no major storms were expected that day. He adds, "However, storm events are becoming more and more extreme."

Tornado, downburst or "severe thunderstorm"?

Authorities' communications spoke of a "tornado" that would have capsized the boat. But experts disagree.

Italian meteorologist Gussoni explained to the "Tagesanzeiger" that the damage pattern does not indicate a tornado, but rather a so-called "downburst". The wind gusts do not rotate - as in tornadoes - but move horizontally and linearly at a speed of more than 100 kilometers per hour.

Meteorologist Jörg Kachelmann only partially agrees with Gussoni's statement. He confirms to the "Tagesanzeiger" that a waterspout can be "almost ruled out" due to the weather conditions.

However, a downburst is also quite unlikely: "The fact that there are no pictures or movies contradicts the downburst, because that would also be quite impressive," the meteorologist said in "Tagi". He assumes a "strong storm gust".

Prosecutors are currently investigating how the boat capsized and why she did not return to port.

(yum)