A Sad Boating Accident in San Francisco Bay: What Happened?

A Body Found in the Bay

On Thursday, a body was found in the San Francisco Bay. It was later identified as a woman from Sacramento County who was on a boat that sank near Alcatraz Island earlier in the week.

• The woman was Tondra Miller, age 58.
• She was the second person confirmed to have died after a boat from Stockton flipped over (capsized) in the bay.
• Officials say Miller also used the last name Madruga.
• Her Facebook profile says she lived in Folsom.

How the Body Was Found

Here is what happened step by step:

1. After 1 p.m., the San Francisco Police Department was using sonar scanning (a tool that uses sound to "see" underwater) to look around.
2. Someone on a boat passing by spotted a body in the water near Treasure Island and told the police.
3. The body was pulled from the water.
4. The person was declared dead right there at the scene.

The Bigger Picture of the Accident

The body was found just days after a boat carrying 20 people sank in the waters off San Francisco.

• 2 bodies have been recovered (including Tondra).
• 2 people are still missing.
• 16 people were rescued.
• A dog on board also died.

Important Point: This was a very tragic event with multiple families affected, and a pet also lost its life.

Tondra’s Family and Friends Remember Her

Tondra’s family posted a statement on Facebook Thursday night to share their sadness:

"Following Tuesday’s boating accident in the San Francisco Bay, our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, and aunt, Tondra Madruga. As this event has received significant public attention, we thank you for respecting the privacy of our family and all those affected as we grieve. Our hearts remain with every family impacted, and we sincerely appreciate your kindness and understanding. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard, the San Francisco Fire Department, the San Francisco Police Department, all of the first responders, and the civilian boaters and community members who selflessly assisted in the search and rescue efforts. Your dedication and support mean more to our family than words can express. Thank you for your prayers, love, and support."

A friend of Tondra’s son, Donte Harrison, said:

"She was like genuinely like one of the most loving mothers I ever met. You just felt good in her home and comfortable at all times, you know?"

Other Victims in the Boating Accident

On Wednesday, the first confirmed death was identified:

• Clifford Joseph Boisa, age 79, from Sutter County.
• His wife, Jackie Boisa, and sister, Carol Boisa, are still missing.
• The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office said Cliff was a retired reserve deputy (a part-time helper sheriff) who served from 1987 to 2001.
• The sheriff’s office shared its condolences (sympathy) with his family.

What Kind of Boat Was It?

San Francisco Fire Lt. Mariano Elias shared details:

• The boat was a Volare cabin cruiser from Stockton.
• It was about three stories high and nearly 50 feet long.
• It likely launched from the Saint Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.
• Everyone on board was there for a memorial service (a ceremony to remember someone who died).

The Search Efforts

• The U.S. Coast Guard stopped looking for survivors on Wednesday night.
• San Francisco police kept searching on Thursday for the three missing people and boat pieces.
• The boat is about 130 feet underwater.
• Divers are still trying to find it, but going past 120 feet deep is very hard and dangerous to dive.

Important Point: The boat is deeper than safe diving limits, which makes recovery very difficult.

Summary

A boat with 20 people sank near Alcatraz Island during a memorial service. So far, two people—Tondra Miller (Madruga) and Clifford Boisa—have been confirmed dead, while two others (Jackie and Carol Boisa) are missing. Sixteen people and a dog did not survive the tragedy. Police and divers are still working to find the missing and the sunken boat, which lies deep underwater. Families have asked for privacy and thanked responders for their help.

FAQ

Q: Who were the confirmed deaths in the accident?
A: Tondra Miller (also called Madruga), age 58, and Clifford Joseph Boisa, age 79.

Q: How many people were on the boat and what happened to them?
A: There were 20 people. Sixteen were rescued, two died, and two are still missing. A dog also died.

Q: Why was the boat in the water?
A: Everyone on board was attending a memorial service.

Q: Why is it hard to find the boat?
A: It sank about 130 feet down, and diving past 120 feet becomes very difficult and risky.