One person died and two others remain missing after a recreational boat sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay on July 14. A major search operation was launched involving rescue agencies and nearby vessels.
The 50-foot, three-deck pontoon boat Volare began taking on water shortly after 3:30 p.m. about 550 metres from Alcatraz Island. Witnesses said the vessel quickly capsized, throwing passengers into the cold waters.
19 adults were believed to be on board during what family members described as a memorial gathering. Rescuers recovered 16 survivors, including three taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One person died despite rescuers’ attempts to revive him after he was pulled from the water.
Officials initially received reports of a vessel fire but later ruled out fire as the cause. When rescuers arrived, the boat was almost fully submerged, with its engine still running and fuel leaking into the water.
Search teams continued SAR operations overnight using boats, helicopters and divers.
Investigators have not determined why the vessel sank. Rough sea conditions were reported, but authorities have not confirmed whether weather, stability issues or another factor caused the casualty.
The incident marks one of the deadliest recreational boating accidents in San Francisco Bay in recent years
