GUANGZHOU, April 6 -- Seven people drowned in a reservoir on Sunday in south China's Guangdong Province, said local authorities.

The accident happened around noon when a 17-year-old girl fell into the reservoir, located in Chaoyang District, Shantou City, after she washed hands with the water, according to a statement from the provincial emergency response office.

Seven of the girl's relatives, including her parents, younger brother and younger sister, attempted to rescue her. But six of them, along with the girl, drowned, according the statement.

The bodies of the seven victims were salvaged at around 4 p.m. The family just finished sweeping tombs before the tragedy occurred.