‘In a pretty deep depression’: Brother of victim speaks out after San Francisco boating tragedy
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A family memorial to scatter a loved one’s ashes turned into a tragedy when a boat carrying 20 people capsized near Alcatraz in the San Francisco Bay, leaving two dead and two others still missing nearly a week later.
Ralph Boisa, who was not on the boat and lives in Washington state, said the gathering was meant to honor his daughter Maria, a surfer who loved the San Francisco Bay and died in 2016.
Boisa shared the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on him and his family.
“I’ve spent the last week in a pretty deep depression. It’s a hard thing to accept,” he said.
Two of Boisa’s daughters were also on the boat and survived. He expressed gratitude for their safety while mourning the loss of other family members.
He described his brother Clifford as a community-oriented man who deeply loved his family. He also expressed his hope for closure as the search continues.
“I want to know that my sister Carol and sister-in-law Jackie have been found and retrieved. Everything else is secondary,” he said.
The U.S. Coast Guard and several local agencies launched search efforts shortly after the boat sank, covering hundreds of nautical miles. Two passengers, Jackie Boisa and Carol Boisa, remain missing. The two deceased victims have been identified as Clifford Boisa of Sutter County, who was married to Jackie, and Tondra Madruga of Sacramento County.
(Video below: Boat tragedy survivor speaks out.)
San Francisco police issued a statement on the ongoing efforts, saying, “At this time, we have no further updates. The SFPD is working diligently with partner agencies and evaluating recovery options to determine whether it is safe and feasible to recover the wreckage of the Volare.”
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