San Francisco police confirmed Friday that they have located the submerged wreckage of the 49-foot cabin cruiser Volare, which sank in the San Francisco Bay on Wednesday afternoon. One person, 58-year-old Tondra Madruga, was recovered deceased, while two others remain missing following the incident that occurred while passengers were scattering a loved one’s ashes. According to the U.S.
Recovery Efforts and Vessel Location
The San Francisco Police Department’s marine unit utilized boat-mounted sonar to identify the Volare resting on the seabed at a depth of approximately 120 feet. Officials are currently deploying a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to inspect the wreckage and evaluate whether a safe recovery of the vessel is feasible, as reported by the San Francisco Police Department. The recovery of Madruga’s body occurred on Thursday near Treasure Island, a site identified after a private boater reported the discovery to authorities.
The Incident and Search Operations
The Volare was carrying 20 people when it capsized on Wednesday afternoon. While the majority of those onboard were rescued by first responders and nearby good Samaritans, the incident resulted in immediate fatalities and ongoing missing person cases. Clifford Boisa was identified as one of the individuals who died after being pulled from the water. Ralph Boisa, a family member, stated that the group had gathered to scatter the ashes of his daughter, who passed away over a decade ago. The search for the two remaining missing individuals—identified by family as Carol Boisa and Jackie Boisa—continues, though the Coast Guard suspended its primary search operations on Wednesday evening after scouring an area half the size of Rhode Island.
Environmental Challenges in the San Francisco Bay
The San Francisco Bay is known for its volatile maritime conditions, including strong currents that complicate search and rescue missions. Following the capsizing, emergency crews extended their search beyond the Golden Gate Bridge into the open ocean. The depth of the crash site and the frigid water temperatures presented significant obstacles for rescue teams. Family members, including Quin Madruga, have expressed public appreciation for the assistance provided by first responders and the community during the recovery process.
Key Details of the Incident
- Vessel Type: 49-foot cabin cruiser (Volare).
- Passengers: 20 people onboard at the time of the incident.
- Location: San Francisco Bay, near Treasure Island.
- Status: Wreckage located at 120-foot depth; two people remain missing.
- Coast Guard.