A tragic discovery has been made in San Francisco Bay, where the memorial boat Volare, which sank during a family gathering, has been located at a depth of 130 feet. The search for this ill-fated vessel came after a devastating incident that left two confirmed dead and two others missing.
On Tuesday afternoon, the 49-foot cabin cruiser was carrying 20 family members and friends who had gathered to honor the memory of John and Clifford Boisa’s late daughter and niece. The boat reportedly capsized after being hit by a powerful wave in the notoriously turbulent waters near Alcatraz Island, causing it to list dramatically and ultimately roll over.
In the aftermath, the San Francisco Police Department’s Marine Unit employed boat-mounted sonar to locate the wreck, which now lies in a heavily trafficked shipping channel about 600 yards from the historic island. As recovery efforts progress, authorities are utilizing a remotely operated underwater vehicle to assess the wreckage and determine the feasibility of bringing the boat back to the surface.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as some passengers were thrown into the icy waters while others remained trapped inside the lower cabin. Alarmingly, only about half of those on board were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
Rescue operations, involving civilian boaters and emergency responders from the San Francisco Fire Department and the U. S. Coast Guard, succeeded in saving 16 individuals from the frigid bay.
Among the survivors was the boat’s owner and captain, John Boisa, a U. S. Navy veteran.
However, the tragedy deepened when his brother, 79-year-old Clifford Joseph Boisa, was rescued but later succumbed to cardiac arrest and exposure.
The search for the missing family members, Clifford’s wife Jackie and his sister Carol, has transitioned from a rescue mission to recovery efforts after the Coast Guard covered over 950 square nautical miles without success.
As the Volare rests at a depth that poses significant challenges for recovery, investigators are carefully studying the circumstances surrounding the sinking. The depth of the wreck, combined with the swift currents of the bay, makes traditional diving methods perilous, necessitating the use of specialized salvage divers and advanced underwater technology.
In a heartfelt statement, the San Francisco Police Department extended their condolences to all affected by this heartbreaking event. They also expressed gratitude to the agencies and individuals who acted swiftly during the rescue efforts.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this devastating incident. What will be uncovered as the recovery efforts unfold?
