A boat carrying approximately 20 people capsized and sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay on Tuesday, July 15, 2026. The vessel, a 50-foot cabin cruiser called the Volare and based out of Stockton, California, was reportedly hit by a wave, causing it to take on water and capsize around 3:30 p.m. local time.

San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen confirmed that one adult male passenger was severely injured and pronounced dead after being taken to shore despite CPR efforts. Three other individuals were hospitalized in stable condition, while three people remain missing. Authorities have rescued 13 passengers so far.

The incident occurred roughly 600 yards off Alcatraz Island, a well-known former federal prison and tourist destination. The boat was believed to be engaged in a memorial service, scattering a loved one's ashes, according to reports.

Rescue efforts involve multiple agencies including the San Francisco Fire Department, local police, and the US Coast Guard. Teams are using thermal imaging, tide prediction, and modeling to aid the search, which is expected to continue through the night. The San Francisco Fire Department noted that divers are limited to depths of 60 feet, complicating recovery efforts.

Initial reports of a fire on the boat were later dismissed after authorities found no evidence of fire, determining that what appeared to be smoke was actually steam. A dog aboard the Volare also died in the incident.

James Smith, a nearby fishing boat captain who assisted in the rescue, expressed concern that some passengers were not wearing life jackets and that people might still be trapped inside the quickly sinking vessel.

The captain of the Volare, John Boisa, 62, was on board during the incident. The deceased was identified as Clifford Boisa, 79, a resident of Sutter County, California, and a reserve deputy sheriff since 1987. John Boisa is Clifford's younger brother. The captain declined further comment, stating, "all of us are grieving during this time."

Authorities continue to conduct an active search in the area to locate the missing individuals.

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