A former Sutter County reserve deputy died and three people remain missing after a boat sank near Alcatraz during a memorial service.
SUTTER COUNTY, Calif. — The man who died after a boat sank in the San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island was a former reserve deputy with the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office.
The boat sank Tuesday, and one man was pulled from the water but later died. 16 others were rescued Tuesday afternoon, but rescuers are still searching for three people who remain missing.
This story continues below.
On Wednesday, the Chief Medical Examiner for the City and County of San Francisco identified the man who died as Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79 of Sutter County.
The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office said Boisa served the department and the community from 1987 to 2001.
“His years of dedicated service and commitment to public safety will not be forgotten. Sheriff Brandon Barnes and the members of the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office extend their heartfelt condolences to the Boisa family, as well as to the families and loved ones of all those involved in this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” the sheriff’s office told ABC10 in a statement.
Officials believe the incident happened during a memorial service, with 20 passengers, mostly family and friends, aboard the boat as it capsized.
Officials said the boat was home-ported in Stockton, and several members of the Stockton Yacht Club say the Boisa family are members.
Coast Guard records identified the owners of the boat as John and Miriam Boisa. He told the San Francisco Chronicle, “All of us are grieving during this time.”
Authorities say the boat, a 50-foot pleasure craft, capsized amid swells up to 5 feet. The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the search for the three missing people with vessels and aircraft. U.S. Coast Guard Captain Jared S. Toczko said rescuers will continue searching until sundown Wednesday before ending rescue efforts.