Overview

• On June 21, a sudden squall struck Lake Tahoe, capsizing a 27-foot Chris-Craft with ten people aboard in the lake’s southwest region.
• Authorities recovered seven bodies by June 23 and continue searching for the sole remaining missing boater in frigid 58 °F waters.
• Hypothermia posed a critical threat as those washed overboard faced prolonged exposure to the alpine lake’s cold temperatures.
• Search operations covered more than 390 square miles and involved the U.S. Coast Guard, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks and local dive teams.
• The same storm damaged numerous other vessels and prompted warnings about rapidly changing weather hazards on Lake Tahoe.