Batavia Residents Among Those Aboard Boat That Capsized, Killing 3 Children On Geneva Lake

BATAVIA, IL — Batavia residents were among those aboard the boat that capsized in severe weather Friday on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, killing three children, according to police.

Officials did not share where the children were from and said they are not releasing the identities of the victims out of respect for the families. In total, nine passengers — from Batavia, Wheaton and Fontana, Wisconsin — were aboard the boat, including:

• A boy, 6
• A girl, 7
• A girl, 10
• A boy, 12
• A woman, 44
• A man, 46
• A woman, 49
• A woman, 73
• A man, 75

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The boat, a 25-foot 2024 Nautique P25, was being driven by "a 47-year-old male with extensive boating experience" when "boating conditions rapidly deteriorated" due to stormy weather, according to City of Lake Geneva police.

The driver attempted to get the boat to shore but could not find a safe harbor.

"[T]he operator then relied on his training and experience, turning the vessel directly into the wind," police said.

Authorities said two large waves hit over the boat, causing a significant amount of water to get onto the boat. A third wave hit the boat shortly after, causing it to capsize.

The boat sank shortly after.

Emergency responders arrived after getting a 911 call and were able to pull six adults and one child from the water.

Three children, ages 10, 7 and 6, were later found inside the boat, which had become submerged in 32 feet of water, according to police.

First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the children were pronounced dead. Police say they were wearing life jackets and appeared to have sustained no external injuries but died of drowning, according to preliminary autopsy results.

"The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency extends its deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy," police said in the release.