San Francisco Bay Boat Capsizes During Memorial Service: What We Know About the Tragedy

A tragic incident unfolded on San Francisco Bay this week when a family’s memorial service turned into a disaster. The 49-foot cabin cruiser, the Volare, capsized on Tuesday with 20 people on board who had gathered to scatter the ashes of Maria Vi Boisa, a Santa Cruz County woman who went missing more than a decade ago. Maria disappeared in May 2015, and her remains were discovered two months later. According to her adoptive father, Ralph Boisa, she loved the water and surfing in the bay, making it the perfect place to remember her.

The capsizing happened without warning while family members from Washington state and Auburn were seated on the middle deck. The boat is now submerged in approximately 120 feet of water. So far, two people have been confirmed dead, including a 58-year-old woman recovered from the water and a 79-year-old man who died after being rescued. Two people remain missing, and the Coast Guard has suspended active rescue efforts due to the depth and conditions of the water. The exact cause of the capsizing is still under investigation, and authorities are working to determine what led to the sudden emergency.

This tragedy raises important questions about maritime safety and vessel operation during memorial events. For the Boisa family and their community, it’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly circumstances can change. If you or someone you know was affected by this incident, local support services are available. What are your thoughts on boating safety and how we can prevent similar tragedies?