Saturday, June 21, the first day of summer, 2025, was the last day for a group of vacationers who had come to Tahoe for the Sierra experience. Instead, tragedy struck during a daytime weather event that raced across the lake in the form of a thunder storm with high winds and light snow and rain. A 27' cabin cruiser was cruising near DL Bliss state park just north of Emerald Bay. The area of the shore is known for large granite boulders and tiny inlets often used by boat campers.
Just afternoon on Saturday, conditions changed in minutes as the storm front descended over the lake. High winds from the north caused waves to mount and increase infrequency. Visibility decreased at the same time and boating in any craft became hazardous. What happened next has not been determined other than the tragic outcome: the cabin cruiser capsized and the occupants were scattered into the cold, cold water(40+ degrees). Were life jackets worn? Was there any time before the boat rolled over? Were there non swimmers among the group?
Many many questions will be answered. sadly, this ttragedy could have been avoided had proper precautions been taken. Hindsight will offer details. The US Coast Guard station in Tahoe City may have been called to assist; more details will be learned today.
This is a warning for the summer on the Lake.
No comments:
Post a Comment