At least 11 children dead as boats overturn in storm on trip to lake

At least 11 children and their adult instructor have died in a storm while boating on a lake in Russia. They were among about 50 people on board three boats - two of which overturned as the weather worsened. The tragedy happened despite days of warnings about storms on Lake Syamozero, which is 120km (75 miles) from the border with Finland. Some of those who drowned were not wearing life vests, it was reported, while one instructor has been detained by police on suspicion of breaking safety rules.

All children’s tourist camps should be inspected. The emergencies ministry must agree on all the routes, and take into account the weather conditions.

Children’s rights ombudsman Pavel Astakhov

The children, aged between 12 and 15, were on a trip from the capital Moscow to the lake, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the area. Rescuers have managed to save 11 people so far, the emergencies ministry said in a statement. Ekaterina Biktimirova, culture minister for the Karelia region, said: “Rescuers have found 11 bodies of children, two more children are still missing.” One child raised the alarm after being washed shore but, according to children’s rights ombudsman Pavel Astakhov only those youngsters who were wearing life vests managed to survive.

syamozero