Rescuers are scouring a wide canal for the bodies of three teenage children who disappeared when their inflatable dinghy overturned in strong currents.

The incident took place in the city of Nevinnomyssk in the federal subject of Stavropol in the region of the North Caucasus in southern Russia on Wednesday, 4th August.

The names and ages of the three missing persons were not disclosed, though they were described as teenage minors by local media.

The three had gone on a dinghy ride on the tributary of the Kuban River, which passes through Nevinnomyssk, for fun when the tragic incident unfolded.

Stavropol governor Vladimir Vladimirov wrote on Instagram: “According to preliminary information, which we now have, three children were seen today on the canal near the city, who were trying to conquer its turbulent current in an inflatable boat. Soon after, the boat was found overturned, with no children around.

“A rescue operation is underway on the spot, and a search is underway.
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“This is all very disturbing. We will accurately establish all the circumstances. But now the most important thing is to find everyone alive.
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“Dear parents. Be attentive to your children. Don’t leave them alone by the water.”

Despite his hopes, rescuers believe the three were washed downstream by the current and would not have survived. They are presumed drowned.

The police have opened a criminal case into the incident under the article ‘causing death by negligence’. The investigation is underway.