The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for three individuals missing after a 49-foot cabin cruiser capsized in San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island. The vessel was carrying 20 people for a memorial service when it overturned Tuesday afternoon.
One person, identified as 79-year-old Clifford Joseph Boisa of Sutter County, died after being pulled from the water. Sixteen other individuals were rescued, and a dog aboard the vessel also died. The group had gathered to scatter the ashes of a loved one.
Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Commander Capt. Jarod Toczko stated that crews searched for approximately 23 hours, utilizing 11 surface vessels and four aircraft. They covered about 950 square nautical miles before determining the likelihood of finding additional survivors was low. Families of the missing have been notified.
Officials believe the boat was struck by a wave, causing it to list heavily, lose stability, and roll over before sinking. Survivors reported that some passengers were inside the boat's enclosed decks when it capsized. Investigators found no evidence of a fire, concluding that any perceived smoke was likely steam from the sinking vessel. It remains possible that some of the missing passengers became trapped inside as the boat went down, though no conclusions have been reached.
Three survivors were taken to local hospitals and later released. Thirteen others received treatment at a reunification center after being rescued.
The recreational vessel had departed from the area near San Francisco's St. Francis Yacht Club and had visited Angel Island before the incident occurred on its return trip across the bay. The exact cause of the sinking is still under investigation. The vessel is believed to be resting in waters approximately 130 feet deep. Before any potential recovery, crews must first locate the vessel to assess its condition for safe retrieval, as divers typically cannot operate safely beyond 120 feet.
Good Samaritans, including local fishermen and other boaters, were credited by officials with assisting in the rescue efforts before emergency crews arrived. Toczko emphasized that these individuals saved lives. The San Francisco Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard were involved in the extensive search and rescue operations.