Six Dead and Two Missing After Boat Capsizes on Lake Tahoe

A tragic accident on Lake Tahoe resulted in six deaths and two individuals remaining missing after a boat overturned amidst severe winds on Saturday.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m. near D.L. Bliss State Park when a 27-foot Chris-Craft vessel was struck by large waves caused by a windstorm, leading it to capsize. Emergency responders initially reported that ten people were in the water.

Rescue efforts included a lifeguard and a ranger who successfully saved two individuals. As the Coast Guard arrived, they saw another person in the water; a lifeguard swam to assist, and both were pulled onto a Coast Guard boat and taken to Lester Beach. Unfortunately, that individual was later pronounced dead at the scene. The search for the remaining two missing persons continues.

Witnesses described the lake’s conditions as extremely rough, with waves reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet, produced by wind gusts. A boat captain noted the waves were even worse than 30-foot ocean swells, and some victims suffered hypothermia, prompting rescue teams to establish a triage at Tahoe Keys Marina.

Capsized boat at Lake Tahoe — Six people are confirmed dead, and two are still missing after a boat tipped over during high winds.

Surveillance footage showed boats struggling against the turbulent water. Search efforts, including helicopter and aircraft patrols operated by the U.S. Coast Guard and El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, are ongoing to locate the two missing individuals.

The weather conditions at the time were notably severe, with reports of waves surpassing typical ocean swell sizes, contributing to the dangerous situation on the water.