Full Breakdown
Tragedy on San Francisco Bay: Capsizing of the Volare Leaves One Dead, Three Missing
7/18/2026, 2:45:01 AM
Core Incident
On July 14, 2026, the 49-foot cabin cruiser Volare capsized about 600 yards west of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. The vessel, registered in Stockton, California, carried 20 passengers—primarily family members and friends gathered for a memorial service to scatter the ashes of a deceased relative. Rough afternoon winds and a large wave caused the boat to roll over, sending occupants into the cold water.
Key Figures & Victims
- Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, retired Sutter County reserve deputy, was pronounced dead after being pulled ashore.
- Tondra Madruga (also known as Tondra Miller), 58, a Folsom resident and friend of the Boisa family, was identified when her body was recovered near Treasure Island on July 16, 2026.
- Carol Boisa (sister of Ralph Boisa) and Jackie Boisa (wife of Clifford Boisa) remain missing and are presumed dead.
- John Boisa, 62, owner and captain of the Volare, identified the two missing women as his sister and sister-in-law.
Other survivors included Ralph Boisa, who said the outing honored his daughter who died over a decade ago, and numerous relatives rescued by first responders and civilian boaters.
Data & Statistics
- 20 people aboard; 16 rescued; 1 confirmed dead; 3 missing.
- Search area covered ? 950 square nautical miles (? 1,800 km²) over 54 hours.
- The wreck is estimated at 120–130 feet (? 36–40 m) deep on a rocky seabed, beyond the reach of standard divers.
Official Statements & Responses
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) leads the ongoing search, employing marine units, sonar grids, and underwater drones to locate the hull. U.S. Coast Guard Sector Commander Jarod Toczko announced the suspension of surface-search operations on the evening of July 15, 2026, citing diminishing probability of finding survivors. The San Francisco Fire Department and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the identification of the recovered bodies. The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office issued a tribute to Deputy Boisa, noting his service from 1987-2001.
Criticism & Gaps
Investigators have not yet determined why the Volare capsized. Maritime experts cited by the Bay Area News Group describe such a capsize in normal summer conditions as “exceptionally rare,” but no definitive cause has been released. The depth of the wreck and strong tidal currents have limited diver access, leaving uncertainty about whether missing passengers are trapped inside the vessel or were swept away.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses described passengers clinging to the boat’s top deck as it sank. A nearby fisherman, Jim Roberts, reported continued vigilance for debris that might aid recovery. Good-Samaritans, including a kiteboarder, helped pull survivors to safety before official responders arrived.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Some outlets list two missing persons (Carol and Jackie Boisa); others note three missing, adding an unnamed family friend.
- Depth estimates vary between 120 feet and 130 feet, affecting recovery planning.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, and aunt, Tondra Madruga,” — Quin Madruga, family member (Facebook)
- “Suspending a search is one of the hardest parts of the job and our condolences are with the families of all involved,” — Jarod Toczko, U.S. Coast Guard sector commander
- “It is an extreme depth that our divers cannot go past,” — Brien Hoo, SFPD commander
- “There were people clinging to the top of it, there were people in the water, a lot of debris scattered all over the place,” — Unnamed witness, crew member on another boat
What’s Next
The SFPD plans to locate the hull using sonar and, if feasible, deploy an underwater drone to assess structural integrity. Authorities indicated that a specialized salvage firm and a barge-crane system would be required to raise the vessel, pending confirmation of its exact position. The investigation into the cause of the capsizing remains open.
