A capsized vessel in the vicinity of D.L. Bliss State Park on Lake Tahoe Saturday afternoon left six dead and two missing after 30 knot winds led to 6-8 swells on the water.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a response crew from Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe went to assist California State Parks and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 3pm following reports of 10 people in the water. The victims were on a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft vessel prior to the capsize.
Two people were brought to a local hospital and six people died. The search for the missing two individuals continued until 10:55am Sunday with no luck. Over 390 square miles were searched for 12 combined hours.
“Suspending a search is always a difficult decision to make and weighs heavily on each Coast Guard member involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those involved in the boat capsize.” – Coast Guard Cmdr. David Herndon, search and rescue mission coordinator assigned to Coast Guard Sector San Francisco.
All mariners, whether they’re experienced are not, are encouraged to always wear a life jacket, check the weather conditions before getting on the water, file a float plan, and keep a working VHF radio to call for help in an emergency.
Our deepest condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased at this time.
