The U.S. Coast Guard concluded its active search operations at sundown Wednesday for three people missing following a deadly boat disaster in San Francisco Bay. The decision to suspend the search came after an exhaustive 23-hour operation involving extensive area coverage and challenging conditions.
One person was confirmed dead, and 16 others were rescued and brought to safety. Three individuals remain unaccounted for. The deceased has been identified as Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, of Sutter County, a former reserve deputy for the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office.
The 49-foot vessel was carrying 20 people when it began taking on water approximately 600 yards off Alcatraz Island, between the island and the Golden Gate Bridge, before sinking. The passengers were reportedly members of an extended family gathered for a memorial service, which included spreading ashes in the bay.
Jared Tosco, a U.S. Coast Guard official, acknowledged the difficulty of suspending active search efforts, describing it as "one of the hardest things commanders do." He stated that crews had covered approximately 950 square nautical miles and searched over 1,700 miles of track line using 11 surface assets and four aircraft.
Three individuals rescued from the water were transported to a hospital and have since been released. Thirteen others received treatment on scene. One dog aboard the vessel also died. The cause of the sinking is currently unknown and will be part of a later investigation.
Officials confirmed the boat launched near San Francisco’s St. Francis Yacht Club, though its homeport was Stockton. Those aboard are believed to be from the Stockton and Sacramento areas. The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to the Boisa family and all those affected by the tragedy.