Wreckage of Cabin Cruiser Located on San Francisco Bay Floor Near Alcatraz

The wreckage of a 49-foot cabin cruiser identified as the Volare has been discovered on the floor of San Francisco Bay following its capsizing near Alcatraz Island earlier this week. Authorities have confirmed two deaths and are continuing search and recovery operations for two family members still unaccounted for after the incident.

Discovery and Recovery Efforts

San Francisco Police Department's Marine Unit used boat-mounted sonar equipment to locate the vessel after multiple days of searching. The wreckage rests approximately 120 feet below the surface in an area marked by rocky terrain, strong currents, and challenging underwater conditions. Sonar imagery released by investigators shows the boat positioned on the seabed in one of the Bay Area's most heavily trafficked waterways.

A remotely operated vehicle is now being deployed to assess the wreckage's condition. Recovery experts have noted that salvaging the vessel from that depth presents significant logistical challenges and could require substantial resources, though officials say the operation may be necessary to determine the exact cause of the capsizing. Authorities have not yet announced whether the vessel will be raised from the bay.

Confirmed Victims and Missing Persons

The incident has resulted in two confirmed deaths. Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, of Sutter County was retrieved from the water on the day of the accident but could not be resuscitated. Tondra Madruga, 58, of Sacramento County was identified as the second victim. Two people remain missing: Jackie Boisa, identified as Clifford Boisa's wife, and Carol Boisa, his sister. Investigators have stated there is a strong possibility some missing victims could still be inside the wreckage.

Timeline and Search Operations

The Valore capsized around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, approximately 600 yards from Alcatraz Island, after emergency crews received reports that the vessel was either taking on water or experiencing mechanical difficulty. The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its active search operations on Wednesday after covering more than 950 square nautical miles, though local authorities have continued recovery and investigative efforts independently.