Video: Four killed when tourist boat capsized in Lake Maggiore in Italy (Reuters)
Israeli intelligence officials aboard the boat that sank in Lake Maggiore in Italy did not plan the trip in advance, but decided to leave at the last minute, after their meeting was lengthy and they missed their flight, state media reported Tuesday evening.
Four people were killed in the incident, including an Israeli citizen who reportedly served in the Mossad, as well as two Italian intelligence officials. According to several local media reports, there were ten other Israeli agents on board the yacht as well as several Italian intelligence operatives.
According to Corriere della Sera, the intelligence operatives attended secret meetings in Lombardy, during which they exchanged classified information and documents. Due to the lengthy meetings, the Israelis missed the flight and decided to extend their stay and spend the weekend in the area.
SEARCHES IN LAKE MAGGIORE (PHOTO: OFFICIAL WEBSITE, VIGILI DEL FUOCO)
One of those present at the meetings apparently knew the skipper and offered to take a cruise on his yacht, reportedly to celebrate the birthday of one of the intelligence operatives. The investigation revealed that the captain ignored the weather forecast, according to which the sea was stormy and winds could reach speeds of 100 kilometers per hour, so much so that flights in the area were postponed.
In addition, the skipper, who lost his partner in the disaster, is suspected of putting 23 passengers on his boat, which is only 15 meters long, despite its capacity of only 15 people. It is suspected that the overload of people may have made it difficult for the vessel to cope with the storm. Due to the suspicions against him, it is believed in Italy that he could be charged with manslaughter.
As a result of the stormy weather, the boat encountered extremely strong winds under a formidable "cumulonimbus" cloud, which in extreme cases can even cause a tornado. According to eyewitnesses, the yacht capsized within seconds, and four of its passengers drowned to death.
More in Walla!
Vacation disaster: 50-year-old security force killed when boat capsized in lake in Italy
See full article >
Fatalities from the overturn in the lake (Photo: documentation on social networks according to section 27A of the Copyright Law)
More in Walla!
- 4 family members from Rahat to be accused of kidnapping and attempting to murder their 17-year-old relative
- Killed in shooting attack at the entrance to the settlement of Hermesh in Samaria
- Shahal's TripleSafe - 3 life-saving devices, and now one as a gift
The rest of the passengers started swimming toward the beach, which was about 150 meters away. At this point, several vessel owners who managed to reach the shore decided to return to the water and try to help the survivors, risking their lives. Until then, it appeared to be a routine accident. However, the ambiguity surrounding the identity of the Israeli fatality and the events that followed the incident raised questions.
Later, according to reports in Italy, it became known that the ten Israelis who survived were quickly evacuated by a military plane. At the same time, Italians evacuated to hospitals were secretly moved away and the apartments of the other agents, hired for an extra night, were also evacuated at lightning speed, reportedly to cover tracks.
- news
- World News
- Europe
Tags
- Italy
