At least one individual has tragically passed away following the overturning of a pontoon boat, prompting emergency responders to initiate a rescue operation for all occupants on board.

The incident unfolded in the San Francisco Bay, situated between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island on a Tuesday afternoon. A total of 19 individuals were on board the three-deck pontoon vessel when it capsized. Subsequently, 16 individuals were successfully rescued, with two individuals still unaccounted for.

San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen confirmed the details, stating that upon arrival near Alcatraz Island, the rescue crews encountered the partially submerged vessel. Initially reported as a fire incident, there is no evidence to support that claim.

Although some individuals sustained injuries from falling into the water, there were no reports of burns. Unfortunately, one person who was retrieved from the water alongside the rescued individuals succumbed to their injuries later.

The search for the missing individuals continued with the deployment of divers, helicopters, and 11 vessels as part of the comprehensive rescue efforts. All rescued individuals were safely transported to Gashouse Cove Marina, a local harbor in San Francisco.

Fire Lieutenant Mariano Elias described the vessel as a “pontoon pleasure boat” positioned approximately 600 yards from Alcatraz, with the emergency call received shortly after 3:30 p.m.

It was believed that the boat departed from the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. Video footage from a local Fox station captured the Fire Department’s efforts to rescue individuals from the almost fully submerged vessel, with debris floating in the vicinity.

Assistance in the rescue operation was also provided by the Coast Guard and Oakland police, as confirmed by Elias.