Loved ones clung to hope Wednesday as the desperate search for three people missing after a deadly boat disaster in San Francisco Bay is set to end at sundown.

The 49-foot vessel, carrying 20 people, began taking on water Tuesday afternoon roughly 600 yards off Alcatraz, between the island and the Golden Gate Bridge, before sinking into the bay’s frigid waters.

One person was killed and 16 others were pulled to safety, while three remained unaccounted for as of Wednesday afternoon.

A US Coast Guard official acknowledged the painful reality facing loved ones, calling the decision to suspend an active search “one of the hardest things commanders do.” He said crews would end the operation at sunset after an exhaustive search of the area and because of the challenging conditions.

“Our crews have now been out there for 23 hours straight,” Jared Tosco, with the SF Coast Guard, said.

“They’ve cumulatively covered 950 square nautical miles.”

“In addition, they’ve searched over 1,700 miles of track line, utilizing 11 surface assets and four aircraft.”

The Coast Guard and San Francisco Fire Department previously said they were using “thermal imaging, tide prediction, and modeling to help direct search efforts.”

“My intention is to suspend active search operations at sunset this evening,” Tosco added. “The families are aware. They’ve been notified. And our crews will continue diligently searching until we reach that point later this evening.”

Tosco also extended thoughts and prayers to the family members and friends of those still missing.

“They’re going through an extremely difficult and challenging time right now,” he said. 

Officials confirmed one person had died when the cruiser vessel carrying a total of 20 passengers capsized.

The person was identified as Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, of Sutter County. Boisa worked as a reserve deputy for the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office from 1987 to 2011.

“The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office is saddened to learn of the passing of Retired Reserve Deputy
Clifford Boisa,” spokesperson Sierra Pedley said in a statement.

“Sheriff Brandon Barnes and the members of the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office extend their
heartfelt condolences to the Boisa family, as well as to the families and loved ones of all those
involved in this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” the statement continued.

Three people had been rescued, transported to the hospital and have since been released, officials said.

Thirteen other people were treated on scene after being rescued and one dog died. Three others remain missing.

The passengers were members of an extended family gathered for a memorial service that included spreading ashes for a loved one in the San Francisco Bay, the New York Times reported.

Officials said the boat launched somewhere near San Francisco’s St. Francis Yacht Club, though its homeport was Stockton.

Those onboard are believed to be from the Stockton and Sacramento area, KCRA reported.

It is still unknown what caused the vessel to sink, with officials saying it will be part of the investigation later.

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