One Dead, Three Missing After Boat Capsizes Near Alcatraz Island During Memorial Service

A memorial service turned tragic when a pontoon boat carrying mostly family members capsized in the San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island on Tuesday afternoon. One person died, three remain missing, and 16 others were rescued from the water, according to fire officials. The San Francisco Fire Department received multiple 911 calls around 3:37 p.m. reporting a vessel in distress. Responding agencies included the San Francisco Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and other local fire and police departments. The first vessel on scene confirmed the 49-foot cabin cruiser, named Volare, was in distress. A total of 19 individuals were reported aboard. Seventeen people were pulled from the water; one required life-saving measures and succumbed to injuries. Three others were hospitalized with stable, non-life-threatening injuries. A dog aboard the vessel was also confirmed deceased. As of Tuesday night, the Coast Guard and fire department continued search operations for the three missing individuals, utilizing thermal imaging and tide prediction technology. San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen stated that the boat was nearly submerged with its motor still running and leaking fuel upon arrival. He confirmed the passengers were engaged in a memorial service. "Right now we are in full rescue mode," Crispen said, noting the injured were expected to be released from the hospital Tuesday night.

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Multiple public safety agencies responded with ground and water assets, including the San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Fire Department, United States Coast Guard, Oakland Police Department, Tiburon Fire Department, and Southern Marin Fire Protection District, as well as commercial and recreational vessels in the area.