Tragedy on Lake Tahoe: 6 Dead, 2 Missing After Boat Capsizes in Sudden Storm
A 27‑foot Chris‑Craft boat carrying 10 passengers capsized near D.L. Bliss State Park on Saturday afternoon, June 21, when a sudden, intense storm whipped up 30–35 knot winds and 6–10 ft waves—conditions likened to “worse than 30‑foot waves on the sea.”
⚠️ The Tragic Incident
- Around 3 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard received a distress call reporting ten people in the water after the vessel capsized.
- The catastrophic waves—driven by a rapidly forming storm that included rain, snow, and extreme temperature drops—overwhelmed the boat and its passengers.
💔 Lives Lost & Missing
- Six adults were tragically recovered from the water and confirmed dead.
- Two other passengers drowned, despite efforts by lifeguards and first responders. They were pulled from the lake and pronounced dead.
- Two individuals remain missing, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
- Two survivors were rescued, treated for hypothermia, and hospitalized; one later died in transit to further care.
🌪️ Extreme Weather Conditions
- Winds topped 30 knots, with gusts up to 45 mph, and waves reached as high as 8–10 ft.
- Forecasts had not predicted such violent conditions—the National Weather Service did not issue a lake wind advisory.
- Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden, violent storm that created “worse than 30‑foot waves on the sea,” and even brought snow within the same hour.
🚨 Emergency Response
- Coast Guard, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks, park rangers, seasonal lifeguards, and North Tahoe Fire Protection teams all responded.
- First responders performed CPR and triage, pulling survivors onto rocks near Lester Beach and transporting them to hospitals.
- The El Dorado County Dive Team and Sheriff’s Search & Rescue resumed operations Sunday morning to continue searching for the two missing.
😢 Community in Shock
Local boaters described shock at how quickly Lake Tahoe’s normally tranquil waters transformed into a deadly force. One boat captain said:
“It was a very, very tragic day on Lake Tahoe.”
The incident has shaken the region, highlighting the sudden peril posed by shifting mountain weather and underscoring the importance of preparedness on the water.
🔍 What Comes Next
- Rescue efforts are ongoing, with dive teams and air support involved in the search for the missing.
- Investigations will focus on the cause of the capsize, adherence to safety protocols, and whether any warnings were missed.
- Family notifications and identities of the victims will be released by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office once next of kin are informed.
💡 Safety Reminder
This heartbreaking event underscores several critical lessons:
- Stay alert to weather changes—conditions on Lake Tahoe can shift from serene to dangerous in minutes.
- Always wear life jackets, even—or especially—when conditions look calm.
- Check advisories from the National Weather Service before boating, particularly in mountain or back‑country waters.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. The Lake Tahoe community stands united in grief and hope as search efforts continue for the missing.