Memorial Trip Ends in Tragedy
One person has died and three others remain missing after a boat carrying family members overturned near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency crews received reports of a vessel in distress at around 3:37 pm local time. Rescue teams quickly rushed to the scene after receiving the emergency call.
Officials said the accident happened about 600 yards from Alcatraz Island. Around 20 adults were on board the three deck vessel, which was reportedly being used for a family memorial gathering.
Rescue Teams Respond Quickly
A marine rescue unit reached the area within minutes. Fire officials said rescuers found one man in the water suffering severe medical distress. Emergency responders immediately started CPR before taking him back to shore. Despite their efforts, doctors later pronounced him dead.
Authorities also rescued several other passengers from the water. Three injured people were taken to a nearby hospital, where medical staff said they remain in stable condition.
Meanwhile, 13 passengers safely returned to shore without injuries.
Search Continues for Missing Passengers
Rescue teams from the San Francisco Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard continued searching the bay into the evening for the three missing people.
Officials initially believed 19 people had been on board. After speaking with witnesses, investigators confirmed the vessel was carrying 20 passengers.
Authorities identified the 50 foot cabin cruiser as Volare.
Rough Water Likely Caused the Accident
Early emergency reports suggested the boat was on fire. However, rescue crews found no signs of flames when they arrived.
Instead, witnesses told investigators that rough water caused the vessel to take on water before it overturned.
Officials continue to investigate the exact cause of the accident.
Witnesses Describe Chaotic Rescue
People working nearby quickly joined the rescue effort before emergency crews arrived.
Longshoreman Justin Marceline and fisherman Mike Montoya helped pull passengers from the water.
Marceline described the scene as chaotic. He said many people struggled to stay afloat because they were exhausted, frightened, and desperately trying to survive.
Emergency officials thanked everyone who assisted during the rescue as the search operation continues.
