A 49-foot cabin cruiser, the Volare, capsized and sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay on Tuesday, killing two people and leaving two others missing. The boat was carrying 20 passengers, many of whom were family and friends gathering to scatter the ashes of a loved one.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Rescue teams recovered the body of Tondra Madruga, 58, on Thursday, two days after the incident. Her family described her as a "beloved mother, daughter, sister, and aunt." The first victim, Clifford Boisa, 79, was pronounced dead shortly after being pulled from the water. The U.S. Coast Guard suspended search efforts on Wednesday, but police continue to look for the remaining missing passengers.
Deeper Dive & Context
Cause of the Sinking
Survivors reported that a wave struck the boat, causing it to list heavily and roll over. However, maritime experts and witnesses, including James Smith, a veteran seaman, suggested that a single wave alone was unlikely to cause such a catastrophic failure. Smith described the sinking as "something that went catastrophically wrong."
Smoke and Fire Reports
Videos and eyewitness accounts indicate that smoke billowed from the boat before it sank. Some rescuers reported seeing smoke trailing behind the vessel, though the U.S. Coast Guard and San Francisco Fire Department dismissed claims of a fire, attributing the smoke to steam from the hot engine contacting cold water. The San Francisco Police Department has taken over the investigation, which may require recovering the sunken boat to determine the cause.
Rescue Efforts
Seventeen passengers were rescued by nearby boaters and emergency responders. The Coast Guard and other agencies praised the swift response of civilian boaters who assisted in the rescue. The owner of the boat, John Boisa, identified the victims as family friends.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the sinking. The investigation remains ongoing, with a focus on whether mechanical failure, structural issues, or other factors contributed to the disaster.