In the wake of a horrific boating disaster in San Francisco Bay, a devastated family is mourning the loss of their cherished member. Tondra Miller, remembered as “our beloved mother, daughter, sister, and aunt,” tragically lost her life during a voyage meant to honor a loved one’s memory.
On Thursday, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified 58-year-old Tondra Miller, also known by the name Tondra Madruga, as one of three individuals missing following the capsizing of the private cabin cruiser Volare. The vessel, which measured 49 feet, succumbed to the turbulent waters Tuesday afternoon, sinking and leading to heartache for those involved.
Miller had joined 19 other family members and friends, journeying together from Stockton and Sacramento. They convened to honor Maria Boisa, a Fremont nurse who passed away a decade ago at the young age of 32, by scattering her ashes in the bay.
After a serene three-hour visit to Ayala Cove on Angel Island, the group began their return. However, their passage back to shore took a tragic turn when the boat encountered fierce conditions. A mighty swell struck, causing the top-heavy vessel to tilt, allowing water inside, and ultimately leading it to sink.
While sixteen passengers were fortunately rescued, with three sustaining injuries, the incident claimed the life of another individual, 79-year-old Clifford Joseph Boisa. Boisa, a retired Sutter County reserve deputy, was another casualty in this devastating incident.
Two people remain missing and are believed to be trapped inside the sunken vessel, which rests about 120 to 130 feet below the surface west of Alcatraz Island.
Madruga was a friend of Maria, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
In a Facebook statement shared by Quin Madruga, the family said they were “heartbroken by the loss of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, and aunt, Tondra Madruga.”
They asked for privacy as they grieve, saying, “Our hearts remain with every family impacted,” while thanking the public for its kindness and understanding.
The family also expressed their gratitude to the US Coast Guard, the San Francisco Fire Department, the San Francisco Police Department, first responders, civilian boaters and community members who helped rescue survivors and search for the missing, saying their dedication “mean more to our family than words can express.”
The statement, signed by Breanna Hewitt Crouch, concluded with a simple message: “Thank you for your prayers, love, and support.”