Cullman County (Alabama/USA) - Several people have lost their lives at a Major League Fishing event in the US state of Alabama. Two boats crashed into each other, and all help came too late for the occupants of one of the watercraft.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the accident occurred at around 7 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday.

The fishing enthusiasts were out on Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman County to take part in a competition, ABC News reports.

For reasons as yet unexplained, two boats collided. All three occupants were thrown overboard from one of them - they drowned.

Only their bodies were later recovered from the lake. The men have since been identified as Joey Broom (†58), John Clark (†44) and Jeffrey Little (†62).

"This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy ," said Kathy Fennel, Vice President and General Manager of Major League Fishing, in a statement. The final day of the competition has been canceled.