SF boat capsize triggers focus on SF firefighters' training for life-or-death bay rescues

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The San Francisco Fire Department has begun a weeklong training session for rescue boat operations in San Francisco Bay as authorities continue responding to last week's deadly boating disaster.

Two people remain missing following the boating incident in San Francisco Bay. Authorities have recovered the bodies of two people, while 16 others were rescued.

The vessel has been located on the bay floor more than 120 feet underwater.

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Recovery efforts could take several days, and officials have not confirmed whether the missing people are inside the wreckage.

The fire department conducts the training twice a year, focusing on rapid response and lifesaving operations in the bay's cold, fast-moving waters.

"The goal is to save lives," said Battalion Chief Robert Styles of the San Francisco Fire Department.

Styles said the department maintains specialized rescue watercraft and personnel for emergencies on the water.

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"We have these rescue watercrafts; people know them as jet skis. We always have two of them in service at a time with a, an operator on board and a rescue swimmer," Styles said.

During the training, firefighters practiced responding to incidents similar to last week's capsizing of the Volare.

Some participants were among the first responders who assisted in rescuing passengers after the vessel overturned.

Asked what people should do if a boat capsizes, Styles said: "You want to get away from the boat for safety purposes but you want to stay close to the boat, because that's what we're going to see to get to people."

Authorities located the three-level vessel resting on the rocky seabed.

According to witnesses, two people are believed to be trapped inside the cabin.

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Styles said several factors complicate recovery efforts.

"Well, first of all, the depth is about 120ft. That makes it difficult. In the bay here, we have lots of currents, a lot of water moving in out of the Golden Gate and vessel traffic," he said.

The San Francisco Police Department is leading the investigation.

In a statement, the department said, "the SFPD is working diligently with partner agencies and evaluating recovery options to determine whether it is safe and feasible to recover the wreckage of the Volare."

Styles, who oversees surf rescue and marine rescue assets for the department, urged boaters to wear life vests and prioritize safety on the water.

"We are underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. So now you can see the amount of water that's moving. Right? And it gets all choppy in here," Styles said.

The San Francisco Police Department continues investigating what caused the boat to capsize.