ROME - Local authorities have confirmed that four people were found dead following the capsizing of a houseboat on Lago Maggiore. The victims, two men and two women, have been identified as an Italian couple, an Israeli tourist, and the wife of the boat's captain, from Russia.

 The boat had been rented by a group of 23 people who were celebrating a birthday party on Sunday. Around 7 p.m., it was unexpectedly hit by a violent storm that rapidly escalated into a tornado.

 As a result of the incident, all passengers and crew members were plunged into the water. Emergency services in the area rushed to the scene, including land and air ambulances, a medical vehicle, and firefighter specialists of water rescue alongside the Coast Guard and the Carabinieri.

 The initial two casualties were located in the evening hours. Despite the challenging conditions of darkness and heavy rainfall, the deployment of a helicopter equipped with infrared detectors facilitated the subsequent discovery of the remaining two victims. The last body was found on Monday at 7:15 a.m.

  Fourteen passengers managed to swim to Piccaluga and received immediate assistance and care at the scene. Five people were taken to the hospital -- three were transported to Angera (Varese) in a stable condition, while two others were transported to Gallarate and Varese with non-life-threatening injuries.

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