Boating tragedy at Austria lake

Rescuers rushed to the scene but could not revive five people

A tourist boat has overturned on an underground lake in Austria, killing at least five people, officials say.

At least 27 passengers and crew were on the boat at the Hinterbruehl Grotto when the accident happened on Monday.

The lake is a popular tourist attraction about 20 km (12 miles) south of the capital, Vienna. It is the largest underground lake in Europe.

Austrian fire service official Joerg Wuerzelberger said rescuers were unable to resuscitate five people.

Reports said four of the people who died were women. One man also died.

The boat was carrying a party of German tourists when the accident happened.

The lake is only around two metres (six feet) deep.

At least some of the victims are believed to have been trapped beneath the overturned boat.

The grotto was used by the Nazis as a secret aircraft-building base in World War II.

Tens of thousands of people now flock there every year.