One individual has passed away, while three others remain unaccounted for and 16 were successfully rescued close to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco during a family memorial service trip.
A three-tier pontoon boat was discovered almost completely submerged in the waters off San Francisco when emergency teams arrived on the scene yesterday afternoon. San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen reported that the vessel’s engine was still running and leaking fuel.
The boat was primarily carrying family members participating in a memorial service, according to authorities who continued to search for the missing individuals in the open sea throughout the evening. The search operation, conducted on the western side of the Golden Gate Bridge, involved divers, helicopters, and various vessels.
Initially, two individuals were reported missing, but this number increased to three after authorities interviewed witnesses. Chief Crispen stated, “We are currently in full rescue mode,” mentioning that three individuals who sustained injuries after falling from the boat were hospitalized and expected to be discharged on Tuesday night.
Video footage from the scene depicted rescue boats rushing to the site of the sinking vessel. Although the incident was first reported as a fire, Chief Crispen clarified that the fire department had no evidence supporting that claim.
The deceased individual was responsive when retrieved from the water but tragically passed away later. Additionally, a dog onboard the boat also lost its life.
All rescued individuals were brought to Gashouse Cove Marina, a small harbor in San Francisco. Alcatraz Island, previously a notorious federal prison due to its strong currents and cold waters, now serves as a popular tourist attraction drawing over a million visitors annually.
Situated in San Francisco Bay approximately a mile north of the city’s shoreline, the area is known for its windy conditions and attracts sailboats and recreational vessels. Aaron Anfinson, captain of the Bass-Tub, recounted navigating his boat with guests towards the Golden Gate Bridge amid windy and slightly choppy waters.
A man aboard a smaller vessel alerted them to a pontoon boat in distress in the bay. Upon reaching the sinking boat, the Bass-Tub crew found some individuals in the water and others still on board. Efforts were made to distribute life jackets to the passengers, with one woman sustaining a head injury.
“We decided to rescue her first,” Anfinson explained. A crew member lowered a swim ladder and threw a life ring to assist in pulling her out of the water.
Anfinson described the situation as frightening, emphasizing the urgency of helping those in need.
Fire Lieutenant Mariano Elias identified the vessel as a “pontoon pleasure boat,” located approximately 600 yards from Alcatraz. The emergency call was received just after 3:30 pm. Chief Crispen indicated that the boat likely launched near the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.
The St. Francis Yacht Club declined to provide any information on the incident when contacted. The Coast Guard and Oakland police also played a role in the rescue efforts, as noted by Lieutenant Elias.
