One person died and two others remained missing Tuesday after a pontoon boat carrying 19 people capsized and sank in San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island, triggering a massive search-and-rescue operation involving the U.S. Coast Guard, local fire crews, helicopters and private vessels.
The Coast Guard initially reported responding to a vessel fire near Alcatraz and launched a rescue mission after receiving reports of an emergency involving a boat carrying 19 people. However, San Francisco officials later said they found no evidence that a fire had occurred.
According to San Francisco fire officials, 16 people were rescued after the vessel overturned between Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. One person was confirmed dead and two others remained unaccounted for Tuesday evening as crews continued searching the bay.
Reuters reported that local television footage showed the vessel largely submerged during the rescue effort. Earlier reports indicated 17 people had been pulled from the water.
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