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One Dead and Two Missing After Pontoon Capsizes Near Alcatraz

Multiple agencies are conducting an hours-long search as investigators probe how the three-deck pleasure boat overturned.

Overview

  • A three-deck pontoon pleasure boat carrying 19 people capsized about 600 yards off Alcatraz on Tuesday, triggering a large rescue response.
  • Rescuers pulled most passengers from the water; officials say 16–17 people were rescued, three were taken to hospitals, one person died and a dog aboard also died.
  • Search-and-rescue operations remain active with 11 vessels, divers and helicopters deployed and a family reunification and triage center set up at Fort Mason.
  • The incident was first reported as a boat fire, but first responders found no evidence of flames and investigators have opened a probe into how the vessel overturned and where it launched.
  • Authorities have not released identities of the dead or missing and say they will examine the wreckage once recovery conditions allow as they continue searching for the two unaccounted-for people.