At least one person died and two others remained missing after a pontoon boat capsized near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay on Tuesday, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD), U.S. Coast Guard, and Oakland Police Department. The incident, which occurred between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, left 16 survivors and one dog deceased, with officials emphasizing the challenges of searching waters under choppy conditions.
Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Conflicting Reports
The incident unfolded around 3:35 p.m. PDT when a three-deck pontoon boat carrying 19 individuals capsized approximately 600 yards off Alcatraz, according to San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen. Initial reports described the vessel as on fire, but investigators found no evidence of flames, UPI reported. Rescue crews, including 11 vessels, divers, and helicopters, worked through the evening to locate the two missing people, with Crispen stating, We are going to continue for hours to make sure we find these two people if possible.
The boat, which officials believe launched near the St. Francis Yacht Club, was mostly submerged when rescuers arrived, forcing survivors to cling to the top deck. At least one person was pulled from the water and received CPR before being declared dead at Gashouse Cove Marina, ABC7news confirmed. Another 16 individuals were rescued, with three taken to California Pacific Hospital for impact injuries. “They’re incredibly upset,” Crispen said of survivors, adding, “They’re concerned about their mates and they went out on the bay with and, obviously, we’re going to take good care of them here.”
Survivors Describe Chaotic Scene, Uncertainty Over Causes
Officials have not confirmed if life vests were worn, or if fuel leaks contributed to the incident. All appear to be adults, Crispen said, though a dog aboard was also declared dead.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie praised the “all-hands-on-deck” response, calling the operation “extraordinary.” However, questions linger about the exact cause of the capsizing. While some sources cited a fire, others, including the SFFD, found no evidence of one. The U.S. Coast Guard initially classified the incident as a “vessel fire” but later clarified that no flames were observed, NYPost noted. The discrepancy highlights the evolving nature of the investigation.
Search Intensifies as Weather Complicates Operations
The search area, expected to drift east with the tide, remains a focus for 11 vessels and divers. “It’s a very active scene,” Crispen said, emphasizing the urgency of the mission.
A family reunification center was set up at Fort Mason, with the Red Cross and Human Services Agency assisting survivors. While 13 rescued individuals were onshore, the fate of the two missing remains unknown. “We have 11 vessels on the water conducting that search,” Crispen reiterated, underscoring the commitment to finding the missing.
What’s Next for the Investigation and Survivors?
Authorities have yet to release the identities of the deceased or the missing, citing ongoing investigations. The SFFD and U.S. Coast Guard continue to collaborate, with the Oakland Police Department aiding in transport. As the search extends into the night, the community awaits updates on the two missing individuals and a clearer understanding of the incident’s cause.
The tragedy underscores the risks of recreational boating in San Francisco Bay, where unpredictable weather and strong currents pose challenges. With no official timeline for the search’s conclusion, the focus remains on locating the missing and supporting those affected. “We are going to continue for hours to make sure we find these two people,” Crispen said, a commitment echoed by the city’s emergency responders.
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