GENEVA LAKE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — More information has been released in regards to the fatal boat incident from last Friday.
In an updated press release from the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency, the three victims of the incident were all children.
On July 3, a severe storm system quicky developed and swept through Walworth County.
The National Weather Service estimated peak winds at 90-100 miles per hour during the storm, which produced hundreds of downed trees and damaged several buildings.
During the storm, the agency received several complaints for capsized boats and people stuck in the water.
Among those calls was one for a capsized private boat on Geneva Lake.
The boat had a maximum capacity of 19 passengers and was being operated by a 47-year-old male with extensive boating experience.
In addition, nine passengers were on board the vessel:
- 75-year-old male
- 73-year-old female
- 49-year-old female
- 46-year-old male
- 44-year-old female
- 12-year-old male
- 10-year-old female
- 7-year-old female
- 6-year-old male
The boat’s occupants were residents of Fontana, Wisconsin, Batavia, Illinois, and Wheaton, Illinois.
The initial investigation shows all juveniles on board were wearing life jackets of proper size and fit.
As the severe weather created deteriorating conditions, the boat operator attempted to seek cover. Unable to find a safe space, the operator turned the vessel directly into the wind, in line with his training.
The vessel was struck by at least two large waves, breaking the bow and causing the boat to take on a large amount of water on one side.
It was then struck by another wave on its side, causing it to roll and capsize.
All 10 occupants were sent into the water. The vessel quickly sank below the waterline after it capsized.
Upon arrival, first responders successfully recovered seven of the occupants, before being alerted that three children remained unaccounted for.
Following the search, divers located the sunken boat in 32 feet of water, with the three missing children — ages 10, 7, and 6 — located inside.
Divers freed the children from the vessel and brought them to the surface.
Lifesaving measures were immediately performed at the scene and continued during transit to local medical facilities.
Despite all efforts, all three of the children died.
Preliminary medical reports indicate the preliminary cause of death for all three children is consistent with freshwater drowning. It also indicated that the children suffered no external injuries.
The identities of the individuals involved is not being released at this time as the investigation continues.
Geneva Lake Police extended its deepest condolences to the family, friends and everyone impacted by this tragedy.
In addition to Geneva Lake Police, the City of Lake Geneva Police Department, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Linn Police Department, the Lake County Illinois Sheriff’s Office, the City of Lake Geneva Fire Department, the Village of Fontana Fire Department, the Hebron Illinois Fire Department, MABAS Division 103 Dive Team, MABAS Division 4 & 5 Sonar Team, the Water Safety Patrol, and the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office were all involved in the recovery efforts.
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