The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office has reported a tragic incident at Lake Tahoe on Saturday afternoon, confirming six fatalities and two individuals still missing following the capsizing of a boat near D.L. Bliss State Park. The incident, which took place around 5 p.m., prompted multiple emergency reports due to severe weather conditions that included wave heights reaching eight to ten feet.
Rescue operations involved several agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and local fire departments. Emergency responders acted quickly as a seasonal lifeguard and a ranger rescued two individuals clinging to rocks and performed CPR on one who was later pronounced dead upon arrival at the beach.
Eyewitnesses reported a sudden shift in wind direction leading to dangerous conditions on the water, with some boaters struggling to maintain control in the turbulent conditions. Captain Joby Cefalu, a seasoned Lake Tahoe boat captain, expressed his concern, stating that the conditions were among the worst he has ever encountered, highlighting that such powerful north winds are unusual for summer.
The El Dorado County Search and Rescue team is continuing its efforts to locate the missing persons, utilizing a helicopter and coordination with rescue boats. The situation remains dynamic, and officials are actively updating information as it becomes available.
Despite the grim aspects of this situation, efforts from various rescue teams showcase the community’s commitment to ensuring safety and aiding those in distress during this tragic event. Updates on the situation will continue to be released as more information is obtained.