Search called off for missing boaters after vessel capsizes on Lake Tahoe in California

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ALAMEDA, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for two missing boaters after their vessel capsized amid large swells and strong winds on Lake Tahoe in California over the weekend.

The incident occurred in the vicinity of D.L. Bliss State Park on Saturday.

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The Coast Guard said that around 3 p.m. local time, a response crew from Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe diverted to assist California State Parks and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office after receiving a report of 10 people in the water.

The boaters were traveling in a 27-foot, gold Chris-Craft vehicle that reportedly capsized due to a large swell.

Weather conditions at the time included 30-knot winds (about 35 mph) and 6- to 8-foot swells.

In total, six people were killed, and two others were reported missing. Two people were also brought to a local hospital to be treated.

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This graphic shows conditions at the time a boat capsized on Lake Tahoe on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

(FOX Weather)

In total, the Coast Guard and partner agencies searched over 360 square miles for 12 combined hours before the search for the two missing people was called off on Sunday.

"Suspending a search is always a difficult decision to make and weighs heavily on each Coast Guard member involved," Coast Guard Cmdr. David Herndon said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those involved in the boat capsize."

The Coast Guard urges all mariners, whether experienced or not, to always wear a life jacket for safety, check weather conditions before heading out onto the water, file a float plan and carry a working VHF radio to call for help if assistance is needed.