In a heartbreaking incident captured on camera, three young friends in Italy met their tragic end as they embraced one last time before being swept away by floodwaters, The Telegraph reported. The incident unfolded along the Natisone River in northern Italy after days of heavy rain caused the river to surge dangerously.

The friends, identified as Patrizia Cormos, 20, Bianca Doros, 23, and Doros' boyfriend Cristian Molnar, 25, were walking near the river when the sudden surge caught them off guard. Despite efforts to save them, the trio was rapidly engulfed by the powerful floodwaters, leaving witnesses helpless and in shock.

Giorgio Basile, the chief of the local provincial firefighters, described the desperate attempt to save the friends, stating, "We threw them a rope, but they were literally swallowed up by the floodwaters in front of our eyes. We watched them disappear."

Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene after one of the women made an emergency call to the police at approximately 1:35 p.m. on Friday. Firefighters tried to extend a rope to the friends, urging them to stay together, but the force of the surging river overpowered their efforts.

Since the incident, rescue crews have been tirelessly searching for any signs of the missing young people. Utilizing drones, boats, and divers, the emergency teams have been combing through the treacherous river while hoping to locate the victims.

During the search operations, one of the women's handbags, along with the cellphone used to make the emergency call, was discovered. This finding provided further evidence of the tragic event that unfolded.

"The main element is not so much the rain, it is the power of the river, the very strong currents," explained Chief Basile. "There are gorges, there is a backwash of water and even for the experts, it is a particularly treacherous task."

Sadly, on Sunday, two bodies believed to be those of Patrizia Cormos and Bianca Doros were found approximately 3,200 feet from the spot where they were last seen. The search for Cristian Molnar, the third victim, continues while authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

This devastating event serves as a stern reminder of the dangers posed by unpredictable weather conditions and the importance of heeding safety precautions in such situations. As Italy mourns the loss of these young lives, the community prays for the successful recovery of the third friend, hoping for a small glimmer of relief amidst the sorrow.