Lake Maggiore Memoirs: Remembering the Victims of the Boat Capsizing
Local officials have confirmed that two Italian intelligence agents and a retired member of the Israeli security forces were among the four victims of a tragic boating accident on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. The Italians have been identified as Claudio Alonzi, 62, and Tiziana Barnobi, 53, while the Israeli victim was named as Shimoni Erez, 50. Anya Bozhkova, a 50-year-old Russian woman and the wife of the boat’s captain, also lost her life in the incident.
The disaster occurred when the boat, carrying over 20 tourists and crew members, sank amidst strong winds. Reports from Italian news outlets suggest that the vessel was hosting a birthday celebration when a storm suddenly formed over the lake, rapidly intensifying into what has been described as a “small hurricane.”
The boat, measuring 16 meters (52 feet) in length, capsized and sank on Sunday evening between the towns of Sesto Calende and Arona. Although everyone on board entered the water, many passengers managed to swim to the shore or were rescued by nearby boats.
Rescue divers and a helicopter were deployed to aid in the search and recovery efforts at the southern end of Lake Maggiore. The scene was attended by multiple ambulances and an air ambulance. Firefighters shared a video revealing chairs and other debris floating in the turbulent waters.
Five individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment. Lake Maggiore, situated on the south side of the Alps and shared by Italy and Switzerland, is a popular destination for tourists. The region has experienced inclement weather conditions recently, with Italy’s meteorological service issuing warnings of thunderstorms.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims affected by this tragic boating accident.
