A boat carrying 19 people caught fire in San Francisco Bay on Tuesday. According to ABC News, 16 individuals were rescued. The US Coast Guard, local law enforcement, and the San Francisco Fire Department carried out a massive rescue effort.
The rescued passengers were transported to Gas House Cove Marina near the Marina Safeway. According to ABC 7, the incident occurred in the vicinity of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, leaving at least one person dead and 2 other people unaccounted for.
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Fire breaks out in busy stretch of San Francisco Bay
The incident occurred in one of the busiest waterways along the Northern California coast. The location between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island is frequented by ferries, recreational boats and sightseeing cruises throughout the year.
Emergency responders moved quickly after receiving the distress call. Rescue vessels reached the burning boat, removed passengers and transferred them to safety. Authorities have not disclosed whether the fire was extinguished on the water or if the vessel suffered extensive damage.
{{/usCountry}}Emergency responders moved quickly after receiving the distress call. Rescue vessels reached the burning boat, removed passengers and transferred them to safety. Authorities have not disclosed whether the fire was extinguished on the water or if the vessel suffered extensive damage.
{{/usCountry}}Officials have identified the type of vessel involved as a pontoon-type boat. However, it is not known if the boat was privately owned or operating as a commercial tour boat.
Daniel Lurie, the mayor of San Francisco, referred to the current search and rescue effort as an "all-hands-on-deck" operation.
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Rescue operation ongoing
Eleven ships are actively looking for the two missing, according to officials. White tops on the water are proving to be difficult conditions for the rescue operation.
The San Francisco Fire Department said emergency crews responded after receiving reports of a boat fire in the central San Francisco Bay after 3:30 pm. Firefighters, rescue boats and other first responders reached the vessel for the rescue operation.
The US Coast Guard joined the operation alongside Oakland police and other responding agencies. Officials coordinated rescue efforts on the water while ensuring nearby vessels remained clear of the incident area.
The USCG on X wrote, “Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and a triage area has been established ashore. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
ABC News has reported that a dog onboard has also died in the accident. The boat occupants were transported by first responders to the Fort Mason neighborhood of San Francisco.