1 Dead 3 Missing After Boat Sinks Near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay

Tragedy Strikes San Francisco Bay

1 dead 3 missing after boat - 1 dead 3 missing after a devastating boating incident in San Francisco Bay has left authorities searching for survivors. One person tragically died and three others remain missing on Tuesday following the sinking of a boat carrying 20 people near the historic Alcatraz Island. The San Francisco Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard responded urgently to a call at approximately 3:30 p.m. reporting a boat fire between the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen provided crucial details about the initial response, explaining that a police marine unit arrived first on the scene. They observed a man in the water in "severe distress" and quickly brought him onto their boat, where emergency responders began administering CPR immediately. The victim was then transported to Gashouse Cove, where unfortunately, he was declared dead.

Rescue Operations Continue

According to Chief Crispen, 19 people were initially believed to be aboard the vessel, but witness accounts later confirmed the number at 20. Thirteen passengers were brought safely to shore, while three were taken to a hospital and were reported to be in stable condition. Crispen noted that most of their injuries were impact injuries sustained from jumping into the water during the emergency.

"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.

San Francisco Fire Lt. Mariano Elias identified the boat as the Volare, a 50-foot cabin cruiser based out of Stockton. It was not immediately clear what caused the boat to sink approximately 600 yards from Alcatraz. Crews deployed 11 vessels in the effort to locate the missing boaters, with plans 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 stated. "This is an all-hands-on-deck search and, hopefully, rescue." Crispen confirmed that all the people on board were adults, and most of them were 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," he explained.

Officials established a family reunification center at Fort Mason, located west of Fisherman's Wharf, where the 13 passengers taken safely to shore were being cared for. The initial rescue operation 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).