A second body has been recovered after a boat carrying family and friends capsized near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, raising the death toll to two.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The incident happened on Tuesday, July 14. Two people remain missing.
The second victim has been identified as 58-year-old Tondra Madruga, whose body was recovered on Thursday, July 16.
Second Victim Recovered After Alcatraz Boat Tragedy
The three-level pontoon boat was carrying 20 people, who were reportedly taking part in a memorial service when disaster struck.
The vessel began sinking between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island at around 3:35 p.m. local time.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department, the boat was already mostly submerged by the time emergency crews arrived, with only the top deck remaining above the water.
Officials said some passengers were in the water while others were still aboard the vessel. None of those found in the water were wearing life jackets.
Sixteen people were rescued and three were taken to hospital. One person was initially confirmed dead.
Two People Still Missing as Investigation Continues
The first victim was later identified as 79-year-old Clifford Joseph Boisa.
A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched after three people were reported missing.
"Officers recovered the body from the water and later declared the individual deceased on scene," police said following the discovery of the second body.
"The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) will determine the identity of the decedent and release the name after notifying next of kin."
Following the identification of Madruga, her family released a statement paying tribute to their loved one.
They said they were "heartbroken by the loss of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, and aunt."
"Our hearts remain with every family impacted, and we sincerely appreciate your kindness and understanding," they added.
The second recovery came after the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for the missing passengers on Wednesday, July 15.
Captain Jared S. Toczko said rescue crews searched more than 1,200 square miles before ending the operation at sunset.
On Thursday, the San Francisco Police Department said officers were searching the area when "a passing vessel alerted officers of a body in the water west of Treasure Island."
Officials also confirmed that a dog aboard the boat died in the incident.
