A former Israeli spy, two Italian intelligence officers, and a Russian lady were killed in a bizarre meteorological event.
The 52-foot pleasure boat Goduria sank after being hit by a “whirlwind” on Lake Maggiore, which connects Italy and Switzerland.
The unusual event led the boat to upturn, dumping everyone on board into the sea.
Five people were rescued in the sea by emergency personnel, and 14 people survived the 150-yard swim back to land.
The Lombardy region’s president, Attilio Fontana, indicated on Sunday (May 28), that the capsizing was caused by a “whirlwind.”
Four people are believed to have died, including Erez Shimoni, 50, a former member of Israel’s security services, according to his country’s foreign ministry.
Italian intelligence operatives Claudio Alonzi, 62, and Tiziana Barnobi, 53, were also killed.
Russian woman Anya Bozhkova, 50, lost her life also. She was the partner of captain Claudio Carminati, 53, who owned the boat.
A spokesperson for the Italian security service said: “The two employees, belonging to the intelligence department, were taking part in a convivial meeting organised to celebrate the birthday of one of the group.”