The family of Tondra Madruga, 58, has confirmed her death following the capsizing of a private cabin cruiser in the San Francisco Bay. Madruga, described by her family as a "beloved mother, daughter, sister, and aunt," was one of three passengers who went missing after the 49-foot vessel, the Volare, sank Tuesday afternoon.
Madruga, of Sacramento County, was among 20 friends and family members who had gathered for a memorial cruise to scatter the ashes of Maria Boisa, a Fremont nurse who died 10 years prior. The group had been at Angel Island’s Ayala Cove before encountering rough conditions on their return trip.
Powerful swells and the boat's top-heavy design are believed to have caused it to capsize, rapidly taking on water before sinking. The vessel now rests approximately 120 to 130 feet below the surface west of Alcatraz Island.
Sixteen individuals were rescued from the water, with three sustaining injuries. Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, a retired Sutter County reserve deputy, also died in the incident. Two individuals remain missing and are presumed to be trapped within the sunken boat.
Madruga was a friend of Maria Boisa, according to reports. Her family released a statement expressing their heartbreak and requesting privacy during their period of grief. They also extended their gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard, the San Francisco Fire Department, the San Francisco Police Department, first responders, and civilian boaters and community members who assisted in the rescue and search efforts.