United States of America

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?

Published JUL 16

Coast Guard Suspends Search After Boat Sinks Near Alcatraz

Story

Above: Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, U.S., on July 15. Image credit: Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images

The Facts

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search efforts at 8:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday for three missing people after a boat capsized near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay the previous day.
U.S. Coast Guard Southwest on X
The National Desk
BBC News
In a statement, the Coast Guard said that crews and partner agencies had searched more than 950 square nautical miles (1,759 km) over a combined 54 hours before suspending efforts pending further developments.
U.S. Coast Guard Southwest on X
The 49-foot, three-deck cabin cruiser Volare was carrying 20 people — mostly family members — at the time it sank, who had gathered to scatter a loved one's ashes. According to officials, a wave struck it, causing the boat to lose stability and roll over before sinking.
Daniel Lurie on Youtube
The New York Times
FOX News
One person, identified as 79-year-old Clifford Joseph Boisa of Sutter County, died after being pulled from the water. Sixteen others were rescued, of whom three were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and a dog aboard also died.
San Francisco Fire Department on X
Guardian
Initial callers reported what appeared to be smoke coming from the vessel, but first responders determined it was steam and that no fire had occurred. Witnesses also described swells of up to 5 feet, though conditions did not warrant the National Weather Service issuing a small craft advisory.
United States Coast Guard News
San Francisco Fire Department on X
ABC7 San Francisco
Officials estimate that the Volare lies in waters approximately 130 feet deep, a depth that poses challenges for divers. San Francisco Police Commander Brien Hoo said crews would therefore deploy an underwater drone to assess whether the vessel could be salvaged.
Daniel Lurie on Youtube
Daniel Lurie on Youtube
KQED

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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CRIT

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ESTAB

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.

U.S. Coast Guard Southwest on X

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.