One Dead, Two Missing After Ship With 19 Floods Sinks Near San Francisco's Alcatraz Island; investigation underway

At least one person is dead and two remain missing near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay after a boat carrying 19 people capsized on Tuesday (local time).

Authorities said at least 16 people were rescued from the pontoon boat; 13 were safe while three were taken to hospital.

Here’s what we know

The incident occurred around 3:35 p.m. after the vessel caught fire about 600 yards from Alcatraz, the AP reported. San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen later said crews arrived at the scene near Alcatraz Island and found the three-story pontoon vessel.

He said: “It was a vessel that capsized and was mostly underwater,” adding that the accident was initially reported as a fire, “but now we have no evidence of that.”

The pontoon boat is believed to have been launched near the St Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.

Crispen added that when first responders arrived, some people were already in the water, others were on a sinking pontoon boat and others were falling into the water.

According to the AP, several were injured after falling into the water, though no burns were reported. The person who died was pulled out with the rescuers but was later pronounced dead.

All those rescued were transferred to Gashouse Cove Marina, a small craft marina in San Francisco.

Crews are continuing to search for the two missing people in the water with divers, helicopters and 11 vessels, according to Crispen.

He added: “We’re in full rescue mode right now.” NBC News, citing Crispen, said that this time of year, walleyes are common in the water, making conditions difficult. But he added that regardless of the wind, “we will continue to search in both directions.”

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said, “This is a comprehensive search on board and hopefully a rescue.”

In a post on X, Lurie wrote: “A boat capsized this afternoon in the San Francisco Bay. SFFD in coordination with SFPD, Oakland PD and the Coast Guard immediately responded to the scene – so far they have rescued 16 passengers, with two people missing and one dead. My thoughts are with the family of this person, hoping for a speedy recovery for all agencies affected, and my best wishes for a speedy recovery.” missing.”