Eyewitnesses Report Smoke Before Fatal Bay Sinking

A 49-foot cabin cruiser, the Volare, sank suddenly in the San Francisco Bay on Tuesday afternoon, tragically claiming two lives and leaving two individuals missing. The incident began with a blast of smoke and a long trail drifting across the water, according to videos and eyewitness accounts, contradicting initial statements from the U.S. Coast Guard who suggested a wave may have been the cause.

San Francisco Police Department officials have taken over the investigation into the sinking. They anticipate needing to retrieve the vessel from the water to determine the cause, a complex and costly process. Eyewitnesses, including commercial fisherman Mike Montoya, reported seeing significant smoke, while others initially thought it might be steam from the engine.

The owner and captain, John Boisa, was an experienced former naval officer. The boat was carrying an extended family and friends who had gathered to scatter ashes. The sinking occurred between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz in an area known for choppy conditions, though experienced boaters state the Volare was seaworthy and should have handled such conditions.

Two victims have been identified: Clifford Boisa, 79, and Tondra Miller Madruga, 58. The three missing are believed to be Jackie Boisa, Carol Boisa, and Madruga. Rescue efforts were underway, with survivors clinging to the boat before it rapidly sank after tilting upright. The investigation continues.