One dead and three missing after boat sinks near San Francisco's Alcatraz prison island

By Gavin Blackburn Published on 15/07/2026 - 10:35 GMT+2 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Authorities did not know if the boat was headed to Alcatraz, a major tourist attraction, where shuttered buildings of the famous former prison still stand. One person has been killed and three others are missing after a boat carrying 20 people sank near Alcatraz, the former prison and tourist site in San Francisco Bay, US officials said late on Tuesday. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Helicopters, planes and rescue boats operated by local fire and police teams were working alongside US Coast Guard to find those who are missing. Fire Chief Dean Crispen said rescuers first responded to a report of "a boat on fire, 600 yards (548 metres) off Alcatraz" Island around 3:35 pm, according to a short Instagram video posted by San Francisco's mayor. When rescuers approached, the boat had capsized and efforts were made to resuscitate the person who died. "They immediately initiated CPR, transported that patient to the shore. They were declared deceased," Crispen said. The fire department initially reported two missing, but later updated the toll to three, citing witness statements. Emergency crews gather at a dock near the site of a pontoon boat fire in San Francisco, 14 July, 2026 AP Photo San Francisco Fire Department Lieutenant Elias Mariano told the AFP news agency the search for those still missing will continue "through the night." Rescue teams were using "thermal imaging, tide prediction and modelling to help direct search efforts," the department said. The boat was a privately owned cabin cruiser motorboat from Stockton in California, Mariano said. Authorities did not know if the boat was headed to Alcatraz, a major tourist attraction, where shuttered buildings of the famous former prison still stand. At least one person was severely injured in the water when rescuers arrived, the Los Angeles Times reported. Authorities confirmed the remaining 16 passengers were rescued. Go to accessibility shortcuts Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Read more Tourists roam Alcatraz ruins as Trump floats prison comeback Trump says he wants to reopen and expand infamous Alcatraz prison Scientists find Civil War-era fortifications buried under Alcatraz prison Police United States Coast Guard San Francisco shipwreck