One dead and three missing after boat capsizes near Alcatraz Island

One person has died and three others remain missing after a pontoon boat carrying around 20 people capsized near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay on Tuesday.

The San Francisco Fire Department received a distress call at 15:37 local time after reports of a vessel in trouble about 600 yards from the famous island.

Emergency crews launch rescue operation

Fire department chief Dean Crispen said a marine unit arrived at the scene and found a man in the water suffering from severe distress.

Rescuers immediately began CPR, but the man was later pronounced dead after being brought to shore.

Authorities said the boat was carrying mostly family members who were taking part in what was described as a memorial service.

Three people missing as search continues

The San Francisco Fire Department and the US Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation that continued into the evening.

Three people who were on board remain missing, while three others were injured and taken to a local hospital. Officials said those injured were in stable condition.

The remaining passengers were safely brought back to shore without injuries.

Witnesses describe chaotic scene

Officials initially received reports of a vessel on fire, but later confirmed there was no evidence of a fire when emergency crews arrived.

Witnesses said rough waters caused the boat to take on water before eventually overturning in the bay.

Longshoreman Justin Marceline, who helped rescue passengers alongside fisherman Mike Montoya, described the scene as chaotic.

He said many passengers appeared exhausted and frightened as rescuers pulled them from the water.

Authorities are continuing investigations into what caused the vessel to capsize.