A devastating boating accident on Lake Tahoe claimed six lives and left two people missing after a powerful storm struck the area on Saturday afternoon. Authorities report that a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft vessel carrying ten passengers capsized near D.L. Bliss State Park around 3 p.m., as severe weather brought winds up to 35 mph and waves reaching eight feet. Emergency crews responded quickly to reports of people in the water, but the conditions proved deadly for most on board.

The U.S. Coast Guard, along with the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and California State Parks, coordinated the rescue and recovery efforts. Two survivors were pulled from the water and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The search for the remaining two missing individuals continued into Sunday, with dive and search teams scouring the area despite the challenging conditions. Officials have not yet released the names or ages of the victims, pending notification of next of kin.

Eyewitnesses and local residents described the storm as unusually sudden and violent, with plunging temperatures and howling winds creating treacherous waters. The location of the capsizing, near a deep underwater drop-off by Rooster Rock, added to the peril. Some at the marina reported seeing as many as 100 boats affected by the storm, though this number has not been confirmed by authorities. The luxury Chris-Craft vessel involved in the tragedy is known for its performance and was not believed to be a rental.

Authorities responded after lifeguards and rangers spotted people in distress and attempted rescues, including performing CPR on the rocks. Witnesses recounted the chaos as boats crashed into each other at nearby marinas and waves battered the shoreline. The incident has left the Lake Tahoe community in shock, with many expressing disbelief at the storm’s sudden intensity and the scale of the loss.