A former California reserve deputy sheriff has been identified as the individual who died when a recreational boat carrying members of an extended family capsized in San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island. Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, of Sutter County, was among the 20 people aboard the vessel when it sank Tuesday afternoon.
Three passengers remained missing on Wednesday as the U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies conducted an extensive search of the bay. Sixteen other individuals were rescued, including three who were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The passengers were reportedly gathered for a memorial service, which included scattering a loved one's ashes.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 3:35 p.m. local time following reports of a vessel fire approximately 600 yards off Alcatraz Island. Upon arrival, first responders found the boat had capsized and was mostly submerged, with only its upper deck visible. The boat's engine was reportedly still running, and fuel was leaking into the bay.
Commercial fishermen who were in the vicinity rushed to assist, describing a chaotic rescue effort as passengers attempted to escape the sinking vessel. Some individuals were reportedly not wearing life vests.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the sinking, but noted that strong summer winds and rapidly changing conditions on San Francisco Bay can create hazardous boating environments. The vessel had departed from the area near San Francisco's St. Francis Yacht Club. The incident remains under investigation.