A passenger who died after being on a vessel that capsized and sank Tuesday in the San Francisco Bay was identified Wednesday by the San Francisco Medical Examiner’s Office.
Clifford Boisa, 79, of Sutter County, was identified as the victim of the sinking near Alcatraz Island.
The Boisa family provided the following statement Wednesday to NBC Bay Area:
“We and many families have suffered a horrific loss. We deeply appreciate the outpouring of condolences and prayers. At this incredibly difficult time, we ask that you respect our privacy so that we can process and grieve.”
On Tuesday at 3:37 p.m., multiple 911 callers reported a vessel in distress in the Bay. The U.S. Coast Guard, as well as police and fire departments from San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond and Tiburon, responded with ground and water assets.
At the scene, the vessel was identified as a 49-foot cabin cruiser out of Stockton, according to the San Francisco Fire Department. A total of 20 people were aboard, with 17 being rescued and three individuals that remain missing. Boisa was one of the 17 found during the water rescue.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department, Boisa was rescued from the water but required immediate life-saving measures. He ultimately succumbed to his injuries and died Tuesday.
The fire department said a dog also died aboard the vessel, and public safety agencies are continuing to search for the three missing individuals.