1 dead, 2 missing after boat carrying 19 capsizes near Alcatraz Island

One person was killed and two others are missing after a recreational boat carrying 19 people capsized near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, according to fire officials. Three other people were hospitalized.

The incident happened at about 3:35 p.m. Tuesday, roughly 600 yards from Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Fire Department Chief Dean Crispen said in a briefing. Firefighters initially received a report of a vessel on fire, but a police marine unit arrived and found a three-deck pontoon boat capsized and mostly underwater.

Rescuers found one person with severe injuries and performed CPR while transporting the victim to shore, where the person was pronounced dead. Thirteen others made it safely to shore, while three were taken to California Pacific Medical Center.

Eleven vessels, along with divers and helicopters, were searching the water for the two missing people. The operation includes the U.S. Coast Guard, police marine units from San Francisco and Oakland and several private boats.

Although the incident was initially reported as a boat fire, firefighters had found no evidence of flames. The capsized vessel was leaking fuel and its motor was still running and emitting exhaust when rescuers arrived.

The cause of the sinking was not immediately known. Only the boat’s upper level remained visible above the water.

Chief Crispen said the injuries reported among the survivors appeared to have been caused by impacts as they fell into the water. No burns were reported.

All 19 people aboard were believed to be adults. A dog on the boat also died.

Officials said the boat appeared to have launched near the St. Francis Yacht Club. A family reunification area was established on shore, with the Red Cross and local human services officials called to assist.