Discovery of the Volare
The sunken remains of the Volare, a 49-foot cabin cruiser, have been discovered resting at the bottom of San Francisco Bay. This tragic event resulted in the presumed death of four out of twenty passengers onboard as the boat capsized unexpectedly. The community is left grappling with the implications and unanswered questions surrounding this incident.
Search and Recovery Operations
Since the day of the incident, the San Francisco Police Department has deployed boat-mounted sonar technology to locate the wreckage. After locating the sunken vessel on Friday, they are now utilizing an underwater drone to further assess the situation. Authorities are currently evaluating the possibility of raising the boat from its resting place, which sits approximately 130 feet deep—beyond the reach of traditional diving due to increased water pressure.
Commander Brien Hoo from the San Francisco Police highlighted the unusual nature of this incident and the need for specialized assistance in the recovery process, stating, “We’re going to have to look for a specialized company that can help with recovery and help lift the boat.” The search continues not only for the wreckage but also for the two passengers who remain missing and are believed to be trapped inside.
Witnesses reported that the boat capsized after being hit by a wave, leading the boat to tilt dramatically before rolling over. However, experts suggest that the conditions necessary for such a large vessel to capsize likely involve multiple factors rather than a single wave. Further investigation will provide clarity on the causes behind this devastating incident.
Among the individuals affected by this tragedy, 79-year-old Clifford Joseph Boisa succumbed to injuries sustained during the capsizing, while the body of 58-year-old Tondra Miller was recovered near Treasure Island. Names of the two remaining missing persons have yet to be publicly released as authorities strive to bring closure to this heartbreaking situation.
The San Francisco Police Department expressed their condolences and gratitude to all involved: “Our hearts go out to all the individuals involved in this tragic incident. The SFPD would like to thank all our partner agencies and members of the public for their quick actions during the rescue and for their tireless work on the response and search for the missing.”
