A tragic turn of events unfolded in the San Francisco Bay when a boat carrying 20 individuals capsized near the iconic Alcatraz Island, resulting in one fatality and leaving three others unaccounted for, as reported by local authorities.
The U.S. Coast Guard and San Francisco Fire Department sprang into action around 3:30 p.m. following reports of a boat engulfed in flames situated between the renowned Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen recounted that a police marine unit was the first to reach the scene, discovering a man in “severe distress” struggling in the water. They urgently pulled him onto their vessel and administered CPR, but sadly, upon arrival at Gas House Cove, he was pronounced deceased.
Chief Crispen initially estimated 19 passengers aboard the ill-fated boat, although eyewitness testimony later confirmed the presence of 20 people.
Thanks to the swift response, 13 individuals were successfully rescued and brought safely ashore. Meanwhile, three others, sustaining injuries from the impact of leaping into the water, were hospitalized and are reported to be in stable condition, according to Chief Crispen.
Three people remain missing, the fire chief said.
San Francisco Fire Lt. Mariano Elias said the boat, named Volare, was based out of Stockton and was a 50-foot cabin cruiser. It was not immediately clear what caused the boat to sink about 600 yards from Alcatraz.
“The information we have is that it left from St. Francis Yacht Club, and the initial report was a vessel on fire. Upon arrival, our members did not evidence any fire. The reports we’ve had from witnesses is that there was rough seas and apparently the vessel began to take on water and was turned over in the bay,” Crispen said.
Crews had 11 vessels involved in the effort to find the missing boaters, Crispen said, and they planned to continue their search through the night.
“I want to make sure that every family member out there and everybody knows that we are in an active search,” San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said. “This is an all-hands-on-deck search and, hopefully, rescue.”
Crispen said all the people on board are adults, and most of them are family members.
“Our understanding was there was some sort of memorial service they were engaging in. That’s why they were using this particular vessel,” Crispen said.
Officials set up a family reunification center at Fort Mason, which is west of Fisherman’s Wharf, and the 13 taken safely to shore were at the center.
Crispen said the initial rescue also involved the Oakland Police Department’s marine unit and private vessels in addition to the Coast Guard.
Anyone who believes a family member may have been on the boat and is looking for more information should call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).