SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for three missing boaters at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday after an extensive 24-hour operation in San Francisco Bay. The search followed the capsizing and sinking of the 49-foot cabin cruiser Volare off Alcatraz Island on Tuesday afternoon, an incident that resulted in one death, 16 rescues, and three people still unaccounted for.

The Volare capsized approximately 600 yards off Alcatraz Island after rough seas and a wave striking the side of the vessel caused it to overturn. The vessel sank in approximately 130 feet of water. There were 20 adults aboard the boat at the time of the incident, according to Coast Guard officials. One dog aboard the vessel also died.

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jarod Tosczko explained the sequence of events during a press briefing. "All indications are that things happen very quickly when the vessel took on a wave over the side, it quickly rolled to starboard, and then many people inside fell over," Tosczko said. He added that survivor debriefs confirmed people were on the main deck and potentially below deck when the vessel capsized.

The deceased was identified as Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, of Sutter County. In a statement, the Sutter County Sheriff's Office said, "Reserve Deputy Boisa faithfully served the Sutter County Sheriff's Office and the community from 1987 to 2001. His years of dedicated service and commitment to public safety will not be forgotten."

Of the 20 people on board, 16 were rescued. Three rescued passengers were taken to the hospital and later released, while thirteen others were treated on scene or brought safely to shore. The passengers were family members and friends gathered for a memorial service to scatter ashes. The vessel, registered out of Stockton, California, had departed from a San Francisco marina, passed under the Golden Gate Bridge twice, and visited Angel Island State Park before the incident.

Two fishermen, Justin Marceline and Michael Montoya, played a critical role in the immediate aftermath, rescuing eight or nine people before first responders arrived. "We just started yanking people out," Marceline said. He described the scene as "like Titanic in real life" and recalled, "There was stuff everywhere. People were banging on the glass."

The Coast Guard led a wide-ranging search effort that covered 950 square nautical miles by air and sea and included over 1,700 miles of track line. Rescue teams used thermal imaging, tide prediction, and modeling technologies to guide their operations. Initial reports of a fire on the boat were later deemed incorrect; witnesses had seen steam, not smoke.

At a Wednesday evening briefing, Capt. Tosczko announced the suspension of the active search. "That said, as I look at the extensive search effort we have put forth to this point, I look at the probability of success of locating a survivor within the search area, given everything we’ve put forth and all the environmental conditions, my intention is to suspend active search operations at sunset this evening," he said. He added, "Despite that extensive effort, we have been unable to locate any survivors within the search area.

Tosczko emphasized the emotional weight of the decision. Suspending a search is one of the hardest parts of our job and our condolences are with the families of all involved," he said. He also acknowledged the collaborative response: "We appreciate the support and dedication from our partner agencies and local mariners who rushed on scene to rescue 20 individuals in distress.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie expressed the city’s grief and gratitude. This accident is heartbreaking, and we grieve alongside those affected," Lurie said. He praised the coordinated response: "Our first responders have conducted an intensive operation over more than 24 hours using all manner of resources and technology, even with support from private citizens, to try to find all individuals involved." Lurie confirmed that 16 people were saved due to the responders’ efforts and extended thanks to the San Francisco Human Services Agency and the American Red Cross for supporting survivors.

With the rescue phase concluded, San Francisco police will now lead recovery efforts. Authorities plan to use drones to assess the feasibility of lifting the sunken vessel. John Edward Boisa of Stockton, the boat’s owner and brother of Clifford Boisa, identified the three missing passengers as his sister Carol Boisa, his sister-in-law Jackie Boisa, and a family friend named Tondra.

The capsizing of the Volare represents one of the deadliest recreational boating incidents in recent San Francisco Bay history, underscoring the risks of maritime activity in unpredictable conditions. The coordinated response—spanning federal, local, and civilian actors—demonstrates the scale of emergency operations possible in urban waterways, while the decision to suspend the search reflects standard Coast Guard protocols based on survival probability after prolonged exposure in cold water.

The tragedy also highlights the vulnerability of memorial or ceremonial voyages, which often involve non-commercial vessels carrying groups with limited emergency preparedness. With three individuals still missing and recovery operations shifting to law enforcement, families await answers while agencies evaluate whether to attempt vessel retrieval from 130 feet of water.