San Francisco, CA – On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 14, 2026, a boat capsized near Alcatraz Island, resulting in the death of Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, of Sutter County, according to KRON.
Authorities said the vessel capsized while carrying passengers, resulting in Boisa’s death. The San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner formally identified him following his death.
Boisa was a retired budget analyst for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, having worked for the agency for six years before retiring in 2001, and also served 14 years as a reserve deputy with the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office honored his years of dedicated service and commitment to public safety.
Sixteen passengers were rescued from the boat, and a dog aboard also died. Three of those rescued were transported to a hospital and have since been released.
Three people remained missing as of Wednesday afternoon, and U.S. Coast Guard crews continued search efforts before suspending the search at sunset.
The investigation remains ongoing.
San Francisco Boating Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires vessel operators to exercise reasonable care for the safety of passengers, including accounting for weather and sea conditions before and during a voyage. When a vessel capsizes and results in the death of a passenger, investigators with California law enforcement and federal maritime authorities examine the vessel’s condition, the operator’s decisions, and the conditions at the time to determine whether negligence contributed to the incident.
Regardless of the findings, Boisa’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, near Alcatraz Island, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
