One person has died and two remain missing after a recreational pontoon boat carrying more than a dozen passengers sank in San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island on Tuesday. The U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities launched an extensive search-and-rescue operation following the incident.

Authorities reported that 19 individuals were on board the three-deck vessel when it capsized. Of those aboard, 13 people were successfully rescued and are reported to be safe. An additional three individuals were transported to local hospitals for medical attention.

The fatality occurred when one passenger was brought ashore with severe injuries. Despite immediate CPR efforts, the individual was pronounced dead by officials. The San Francisco Fire Department stated they received an initial report of a fire on the boat at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time, though no evidence of a fire has yet been confirmed.

Search efforts are actively continuing for the two missing passengers. Dean Crispen, chief of the San Francisco Fire Department, confirmed that 11 vessels are currently engaged in the search, and operations are expected to persist for several hours to locate the individuals.

The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with multiple local agencies, responded to the emergency. Rescue swimmers and scuba divers were deployed to aid in the search and recovery efforts. The incident has prompted a significant response from emergency services, highlighting the dangers of maritime activities in the bay.

Details surrounding the exact cause of the sinking remain under investigation. Officials are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the boat capsizing. The San Francisco Bay can present challenging conditions, with strong currents and variable weather, factors that may be considered in the ongoing investigation.

Passenger accounts and witness statements are expected to be crucial in understanding the circumstances. The focus for now remains on the search for the missing individuals and providing support to those affected by the tragedy. Authorities have urged the public to report any relevant information that might assist in the search.

This developing story is subject to updates as more information becomes available from the responding agencies. The community awaits further news regarding the missing persons and the full details of the incident.