- One person died and three others are missing after a pontoon boat with 19 people aboard capsized near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, officials said.
- Eleven vessels continued to search for the two missing people, according to San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen.
- The U.S. Coast Guard has joined other agencies in the search-and-rescue mission.
- Three passengers were injured and transported to local hospitals and are in stable condition.
- The boat, named Volare, was based out of Stockton and was described as a 50-foot cabin cruiser pontoon boat.
- The search for the missing individuals is expected to continue throughout the night.
- The boat capsized while carrying mostly family members participating in a memorial service.
- The incident occurred approximately 600 yards off of Alcatraz Island.
- Initial reports suggested a fire on board, but officials later confirmed there was no evidence of that.
- The boat was found almost fully submerged with its motor still running and leaking fuel.
One person died and three remain missing after a pontoon boat capsized near Alcatraz Island on Tuesday. The vessel, carrying 20 passengers for a memorial service, began taking on water due to rough seas, according to San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen.17810
At approximately 3:37 p.m., emergency services received reports of the distress call. 13 passengers were rescued, while three were hospitalized in stable condition. Tragically, one individual was pronounced dead after being pulled from the water, and a dog on board also died.
Crispen stated, “We are still conducting an active search of the area,” with 11 vessels and the U.S. Coast Guard involved in the ongoing search-and-rescue operation. The search is expected to continue throughout the night, utilizing both surface and air assets.36
Initial reports suggested a fire on board, but Crispen clarified, “The boating mishap was initially reported as a fire, but we now don’t have any evidence of that.” Witnesses indicated that the boat, named Volare, was about 600 yards from Alcatraz when it capsized. The incident has raised concerns about safety in the area, especially given the strong currents reported at the time.5
The SFFD plans to provide updates on the search for the missing individuals, as the community mourns the loss and hopes for their safe return.
“Officials later clarified there was no fire on board; the pontoon boat capsized after taking on water in rough seas. The vessel, named Volare, launched from Stockton with 20 people on a memorial service — a dog also died, and the Coast Guard used modeling software to search through the night.”
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