One person has died, two others are missing, and 16 individuals were rescued after a three-deck pontoon boat sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay on Tuesday. The incident prompted a large search-and-rescue operation involving divers, helicopters, and multiple emergency agencies.
San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen reported that crews responded shortly after 3:30 p.m. to reports of a fire aboard a vessel approximately 600 yards from Alcatraz. Upon arrival, firefighters found the pontoon boat mostly submerged, with its motor still running and leaking fuel. Authorities later indicated that there was no evidence of a fire.
Sixteen people were rescued from the water, with one individual brought ashore in critical condition who later died despite lifesaving efforts. Three survivors were hospitalized with injuries sustained from falling into the water, while the remaining rescued passengers were taken to a nearby marina. A dog that was on board also died.
Rescue crews continued searching for the two missing passengers on Tuesday evening using 11 boats, rescue divers, and helicopters. Crispen stated, "We are still conducting an active search of the area. We have 11 vessels on the water conducting that search. We are going to continue for hours to make sure that we find these two missing people, if possible."
The U.S. Coast Guard, San Francisco Fire Department, Oakland police, and other local agencies assisted in the response. Authorities established a family reunification center as the search continued.
The pontoon boat is believed to have departed from near the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, although the club reported it did not have information about the vessel. The cause of the sinking is under investigation. The incident occurred in the cold and fast-moving waters surrounding Alcatraz Island, a popular tourist destination. Authorities have not released the names of the deceased or the missing passengers pending family notification.