1 Dead, 3 Missing After Boat Capsizes Near Alcatraz Island

A day meant for honoring a loved one turned into a fight for survival in the cold waters of the San Francisco Bay.

WHAT HAPPENED

On Tuesday afternoon, a family of 20 adults boarded a 50-foot boat named the Volare. They headed out near Alcatraz Island to hold a service for a family member who had died.

A large wave hit the boat, causing it to tip over and sink quickly. Rescue crews rushed to the scene after a call came in at 3:30 p.m.

One man died after being pulled from the water. Rescuers saved 16 other people, sending three to the hospital. Three people are still missing in the cold bay.

FACT BOX

• 20 adults were on the boat when it tipped over.
• 1 person is confirmed dead.
• 3 people remain missing.
• 16 people were saved from the water.
• 50 feet was the length of the boat, named the Volare.

WHY IT MATTERS

The San Francisco Bay is beautiful, but the water is highly dangerous. Cold temperatures and strong currents can overwhelm even experienced boaters in seconds. This tragedy shows how fast a peaceful family event can turn into a disaster.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The U.S. Coast Guard will keep searching for the three missing family members. Rescue swimmers and divers are staying in the area to search the water. Local teams will also look into the boat to find out exactly why it tipped over.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. What caused the large wave that tipped the boat?
2. Was there a fire on the boat before it sank, as the first call claimed?
3. Were there enough life jackets on board for all 20 people?

SOURCE NOTE

This story was reported using information from ABC News.