Authorities reported a tragic accident near San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island on Tuesday, resulting in one fatality and three missing persons after a pontoon boat capsized and sank.
Sixteen people were successfully rescued from the water. The boat, carrying primarily family members, was part of a memorial service when it sank.
San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen described the scene when rescue crews arrived, finding a three-deck pontoon vessel nearly submerged. The motor was still running, leaking fuel into the water.
The individual who died was initially alive when rescued from the cold waters but succumbed later. A dog aboard the vessel also perished.
Crispen added that three individuals sustained injuries after falling from the boat. They are currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
Authorities continue to search for the missing people, focusing on open waters west of the Golden Gate Bridge. The search operation, involving divers, helicopters, and boats, was planned to persist throughout the night.
Initially, authorities reported two people missing. However, after witness statements, the number was revised to three. “Right now we are in full rescue mode,” Crispen emphasized.
The U.S. Coast Guard posted on X late Tuesday, confirming that search and rescue operations were “ongoing.” They assured the public of providing updates as more details emerge.
This article includes information from The Associated Press.
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