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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Disasters & Emergencies

One dead, three missing after boat sinks near San Francisco's Alcatraz Island

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • A three-deck pontoon vessel sank in San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island, resulting in one death and three missing.
  • Sixteen people and a dog were rescued, though the dog also died.
  • Search and rescue operations, involving multiple agencies and aerial support, are ongoing for the missing individuals.

One person has died, and three remain missing after a three-deck pontoon vessel capsized and sank in San Francisco Bay, near the iconic Alcatraz Island. Authorities confirmed that 16 individuals were rescued, but sadly, a dog aboard the vessel also perished.

a boat on fire, 600 yards of Alcatraz" Island

— Dean CrispenSan Francisco fire chief describing the initial report of the incident.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, with responders initially receiving a report of a boat fire approximately 600 yards off Alcatraz Island around 3:35 p.m. local time. San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen stated that while fire was initially reported, no evidence of it was found. Rescuers discovered the pontoon vessel capsized and nearly fully submerged, with its motor still running and leaking fuel.

Alcatraz Island, a former federal prison known for its harsh surrounding waters, is located about a mile offshore. The capsized vessel has been identified as a privately-owned 'pontoon pleasure boat.' It remains unclear if the boat was heading to Alcatraz at the time of the sinking.

we now don't have any evidence of that.

— Dean CrispenRegarding the initial report of a fire on the vessel.

A multi-pronged search and rescue effort is underway, with local police, fire teams, and the U.S. Coast Guard collaborating. Planes, boats, and helicopters are being deployed in the extensive operation. Search teams are utilizing thermal imaging, tide prediction, and modeling to aid their efforts in locating the missing individuals throughout the night.

thermal imaging, tide prediction and modeling to help direct search efforts.

— Elias MarianoDescribing the methods used in the search and rescue operation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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