The wreckage of the cabin cruiser Volare, which capsized in San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island, has been located on the seabed, authorities confirmed Friday. The incident, believed to have resulted in the deaths of four of the 20 passengers aboard, has prompted an ongoing investigation into the cause and a continued search for two missing individuals.
The 49-foot vessel was located by the San Francisco Police Department's marine unit using boat-mounted sonar, days after it capsized on Tuesday. The department is now employing an underwater drone to assess the condition of the wreckage and determine the feasibility of raising it from its depth of approximately 130 feet, west of Alcatraz Island.
San Francisco Police Commander Brien Hoo noted the significant challenges posed by the depth, including increased water pressure, which complicates recovery efforts. "We're going to have to look for a specialized company that can help with recovery and help lift the boat," Hoo stated Wednesday, emphasizing the need for a coordinated effort to ensure a safe retrieval.
The Volare was carrying passengers for a memorial service when it capsized. Survivors reported that a large wave struck the boat, causing it to list and roll over suddenly. However, maritime investigators suggest that a single wave is unlikely to have caused such a catastrophic event for a vessel of this size, pointing to potential cascading issues or system failures as a more probable cause.
Authorities believe there is a "high probability" that missing individuals may have been trapped inside the vessel when it sank. Of the passengers aboard, Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, died from injuries sustained in the incident, and the body of Tondra Miller, 58, was recovered near Treasure Island. The identities of the two remaining unaccounted-for passengers have not yet been released. The San Francisco Police Department extended condolences to those affected and thanked partner agencies and the public for their assistance during the rescue and ongoing search operations.
