One person has died and two remain missing after a pontoon boat carrying 19 people capsized and sank in San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities confirmed that 16 individuals were rescued from the water.
San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen reported that rescue crews arrived at the scene to find a three-deck pontoon vessel almost fully submerged, with its motor still running and leaking fuel. The incident was initially reported as a fire, but officials stated there was no evidence of a blaze.
The severely injured individual found by first responders was brought to shore, where they were later declared deceased. Thirteen of the rescued passengers were brought ashore unharmed, while three others were transported to a San Francisco hospital for medical treatment. Injuries sustained were primarily from impact after falling or jumping into the water.
A dog that was aboard the vessel also died in the incident. The boat was reportedly about 600 yards from Alcatraz Island when it capsized. The San Francisco Fire Department received the emergency call shortly after 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
The vessel is believed to have departed from the vicinity of the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. However, a representative from the club stated they had no immediate information regarding the vessel or the incident.
Search and rescue operations, involving 11 vessels, helicopters, and divers, continued into the evening to locate the two missing individuals. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and emphasized the ongoing, all-hands-on-deck nature of the search efforts.
The cause of the sinking is currently under investigation. The waters surrounding Alcatraz Island, a popular tourist destination and former federal penitentiary, are known for their strong currents and cold temperatures.
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