(MENAFN) A devastating boating accident on Romania’s Danube Delta claimed four lives—including that of a child—after a vessel capsized during a violent storm on Monday evening, according to Romanian officials.

The vessel, carrying 14 passengers, overturned around 7:30 p.m. local time (1730 GMT) amid severe weather conditions on the Sulina Canal, authorities from the Tulcea County Emergency Situations Inspectorate (ISU Tulcea) confirmed. A yellow-level storm warning had been issued for the region at the time of the incident.

In response, emergency services launched a wide-reaching rescue operation involving firefighters, coast guard units, medical teams, and nearby civilian boats.

Six passengers wearing life jackets managed to swim to shore unaided. Four others were discovered in cardiac arrest and, despite extensive resuscitation efforts, were declared dead. The remaining passengers were rescued and transported to medical facilities, ISU Tulcea spokesperson Daniel Nastase stated.

A formal investigation is currently in progress. Preliminary assessments indicate that the boat was both overcrowded and lacked proper certification for recreational use. The pilot, who survived the incident, is now under investigation for involuntary manslaughter, according to reports from local media. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased.

The Danube Delta, a renowned summer destination in Eastern Europe, draws thousands of tourists annually with its scenic waterways and biodiversity.

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