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Two scouts have died as a result of the sinking of the boat in Lake Maggiore, northern Italy, AFP reported.

The 16-meter-long vessel capsized yesterday evening in the area of Lizanza, at the southernmost point of the lake. The local fire service, which took part in the search and rescue operation, said four victims had been found.

Intelligence agents were identified as Claudio Alonzi, 62, and Tiziana Barnobi, 53. The two were in the area for a meeting with friends organized to celebrate a birthday.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has already clarified that one of the victims was an Israeli citizen in his 50s, and according to the Italian newspaper Varese News, the fourth victim was a Russian citizen.

Attilio Fontana, the governor of Lombaria where the tragedy occurred, said it was caused by a sudden tornado event.

Twenty people who were also on board and found themselves when they overturned in the water were rescued by other vessels, or made their way to shore by swimming.

There were tourists on the boat, both Italians and foreigners.

Tourist boat sinks in Italy, dead