Coast Guard Suspends Search After Boat Sinks Near Alcatraz
Was the search operation in this maritime tragedy a success or the sad outcome of a noble effort?
Above: Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, U.S., on July 15. Image credit: Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Calling off a search is the last thing anybody wants to do, especially when the lives of three missing people are potentially threatened. However, the U.S. Coast Guard and its partner agencies have done everything in their power to find the three individuals in question, including searching over 950 square nautical miles, leaving them with no other choice.
Narrative B
Sixteen survivors owe their lives to an intensive, round-the-clock operation by emergency services, the Coast Guard and regional partners, as well as the private citizens who showed up to help. In a time of tragedy and great need, the city and its people did not hesitate to come together toward a common goal, saving lives in the process.