At least one person dies and three missing after boat ‘carrying British tourists’ capsizes in Italy

At least one person has died and three more are missing after a boat carrying tourists capsized on the Italian beauty spot Lake Maggiore, with the Foreign office investigates whether any British nations are involved. 

Authorities are still searching for three people who are missing after a sudden whirlwind overturned the boat carrying more than 20 tourists and crew, the Italian news agency ANSA said.

Italian firefighters said 19 people have been saved so far, with many reportedly swimming to shore.

The rescue operations continued with divers, boats and a helicopter involved in the search at the lake between Italy and Switzerland. 

The Foreign Office is in contact with the local authorities in Italy to offer assistance to any British nationals involved.  

Floating pieces of wood from the debris of the 52ft boat were seen floating in the water

Videos from firefighters showed pieces of wood floating in the lake as a helicopter circulated above.

The whirlwind that hit the 52ft (16m)boat was part of a storm system that hit Lombardy on Sunday, which also caused delays at Malpensa airport.

According to reports from Italian newspaper La Repubblica, two were taken to hospital in ‘moderately critical’ condition, while three were taken in ‘not very critical condition’.

A further 15 were treated at the scene and did not require further medical attention, reports have said.  

An FCDO spokesperson said: ‘We are in contact with local authorities in Italy after a boat accident and are ready to provide consular assistance to any British nationals involved.’ 

More follows.