Key Takeaways
- Carol Boisa, 74, of Sacramento County, identified as third victim of the Volare boating disaster.
- Her body was found July 25 near Point Diablo, west of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Previously identified victims: Clifford Joseph Boisa (79) and Tondra Madruga (58).
- One person, Jackie Boisa, remains missing.
- The Volare capsized July 14 near Alcatraz during a memorial service for Maria Boisa.
Introduction
The San Francisco Medical Examiner's Office identified a third victim from the July 14 Volare boating disaster, as search efforts continue for the final missing passenger. Carol Boisa, 74, of Sacramento County, was found by San Francisco police marine units near Point Diablo, west of the Golden Gate Bridge, on July 25.
Third Victim Identified
Carol Boisa's body was recovered at about 10 a.m. on July 25, according to the medical examiner. She was the younger sister of Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, of Sutter County, who was the first victim pronounced dead after being rescued from the water on the day of the capsizing. The Boisa family had organized the boat trip to scatter the ashes of Maria Boisa, a Fremont nurse who died by suicide in 2015.
Details of the Tragedy
The 50-foot cabin cruiser Volare, based in Stockton, was carrying 20 family members and friends when it capsized near Alcatraz Island on July 14. Seventeen people were rescued. The boat had departed from St. Francis Yacht Club and was heading toward Angel Island when the emergency occurred. Witnesses reported seeing steam or smoke as the vessel took on water. The cause remains under investigation.
Victims and Their Families
The first fatality, Clifford Boisa, was rescued but later died. His wife, Jackie Boisa, has not been found. Tondra Madruga, also known as Tondra Miller, 58, of Sacramento County, was found on July 17 near Treasure Island. Most passengers were relatives and friends of the Boisa family, gathered to honor Maria Boisa.
Local California Context
The Volare was registered in Stockton, San Joaquin County, and the family has deep ties to the Sacramento region. Maria Boisa, whose ashes were to be scattered, was a nurse from Fremont. The disaster has affected communities across Northern California, from Stockton to Sacramento and the Bay Area.
Background
The Volare was a multi-level cabin cruiser, reportedly 49 to 50 feet long. It sank rapidly, leading to a chaotic rescue involving bystanders and authorities. The boat's wreckage was located three days after the incident. The tragedy has drawn attention to boating safety on the San Francisco Bay, particularly for memorial voyages.
Conclusion
As the Boisa family grieves, the search for Jackie Boisa continues. The community has rallied with a GoFundMe to support the families. The investigation into the capsizing is ongoing.