A sudden and fierce storm sweeping across Lake Tahoe has led to a tragic boat accident, resulting in the deaths of six people. Two other individuals remain missing following the incident that occurred on Saturday afternoon. The popular tourist destination, straddling the border of California and Nevada, was battered by unexpected severe weather that turned lake conditions treacherous.
The accident unfolded near the shores of D.L. Bliss State Park on the southwest edge of the lake. Authorities confirmed that two survivors were pulled from the water and are receiving treatment in hospital for hypothermia and other injuries. Tragically, one individual rescued from the water later died after being brought ashore, contributing to the final count of six fatalities.
Sudden Storm Whips Up Lake Tahoe
The disaster struck around 3 p.m. on Saturday when a powerful squall rapidly developed over Lake Tahoe. Witnesses described the weather changing “dramatically and suddenly,” with a strong, unusual north wind generating “wicked” conditions.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the vessel involved was a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft boat. It was reportedly caught in a large swell as winds gusted up to 35 mph (56 km/h), creating waves that reached heights of 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 meters). One experienced boat captain on the lake commented that these wave sizes were “worse than 30-foot waves on the sea,” stating he had never witnessed the lake so rough, particularly with north winds in the summer. Initial reports indicated that approximately 10 people were in the water after the boat capsized.
Extensive Rescue and Response Efforts
Emergency calls reporting the capsized boat began arriving just before 5 p.m. Multiple agencies swiftly responded to the scene, including the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), California State Parks, North Tahoe Fire, and Carson City Fire Department, among others.
Early rescue efforts near the accident site saw a seasonal state park lifeguard and ranger pull two people onto nearby rocks, where they began administering CPR. As the Coast Guard arrived, another individual was spotted in the water. A lifeguard swam out to assist, and both were brought aboard the USCG boat and transported to Lester Beach for medical attention. Rescuers noted the rapidly falling air temperatures, nearing freezing, accompanied by rain and snow in the nearby Sierra mountains, making conditions in the lake extremely dangerous.
Search for Missing Persons Suspended
The EDSO Search and Rescue and Dive Teams, supported by aerial resources from the USCG, launched intensive operations to locate the two individuals who remained missing after the initial rescues. Search efforts focused on the area near D.L. Bliss State Park and a nearby rock feature known as Rooster Rock. This location is notable for a steep underwater drop-off exceeding 300 feet (91 meters).
However, authorities have since announced that the active search for the two missing persons has been suspended.
Victims Unidentified as Investigation Continues
As of the latest updates, the identities of the six deceased victims have not been publicly released, pending formal identification and notification of next-of-kin.
Beyond the single capsized vessel with the fatalities and missing persons, multiple other boats and watercraft were reported to be in distress, overturned, or taking on water across Lake Tahoe following the surprise storm squall. Video footage posted online showed large waves slamming other boats against docks, causing damage. Officials expressed concerns about potential water contamination from damaged vessels.
Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America with an average depth of 1,000 feet (305 meters), is a beloved recreational area. However, this tragic incident serves as a stark and devastating reminder of the power and unpredictability of weather on large bodies of water, highlighting the critical importance of monitoring conditions closely when boating. A local boat captain also set up a triage area at the Tahoe Keys Marina office to assist victims suffering from hypothermia, underscoring the severity and widespread impact of the sudden storm.
