On a tragic Saturday afternoon, June 21, 2025, a luxury powerboat capsized on Lake Tahoe during a sudden and severe summer storm, leaving six people dead, two others missing, and two hospitalized. The incident unfolded near D.L. Bliss State Park in South Lake Tahoe, California, a picturesque area that turned deadly as fierce winds and towering waves swept through the lake.
The 27-foot Chris-Craft vessel, carrying 10 passengers, was caught in a violent swell estimated between six to eight feet high amid 35 mph winds. Emergency responders received reports around 3 p.m. local time of approximately 10 people in the water after the boat overturned. The U.S. Coast Guard, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks, and local agencies rushed to the scene to mount a rescue operation.
According to the United States Coast Guard, the boat capsized after encountering a "large swell," a perilous wave that overwhelmed the vessel. Witnesses described the waves as worse than 30-foot waves on the sea, with local boat captain Joby Cefalu recounting the conditions as "a very, very tragic day on Lake Tahoe." Cefalu, who assisted in rescue efforts, set up a triage station at the Tahoe Keys Marina office to aid victims, some of whom suffered hypothermia due to the cold water and harsh weather.
Rescue efforts were harrowing. A seasonal lifeguard and a ranger spotted the accident and managed to pull two people to safety. As the Coast Guard arrived, they saw another individual struggling in the water. The lifeguard swam out to assist, and both were brought onto the Coast Guard boat and transported to Lester Beach. Sadly, this person was pronounced deceased upon arrival by emergency medical services.
In total, six adults were confirmed dead in the water, two survivors were hospitalized, and two individuals remained missing as of Sunday morning, June 22. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team, alongside their Dive Team and the Coast Guard, resumed search operations Sunday to find the missing persons.
The identities of the deceased and missing have not been released, pending notification of next of kin. Officials have also not confirmed whether children were aboard the boat or if life jackets were worn, leaving some questions unanswered as investigations continue.
Lake Tahoe, straddling the California-Nevada border in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, is known for its stunning beauty and recreational boating. However, it can also be unpredictable. The National Weather Service reported that at the time of the accident, the lake faced 30-knot winds, an air temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and a wind chill near freezing—conditions that can quickly become life-threatening for those in the water.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls just before 5 p.m., reporting the capsized vessel and people in distress. Emergency teams responded swiftly, but the sudden storm and rough waters made rescue operations extremely challenging.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragic capsizing. The combination of sudden high winds, large swells, and possibly other factors contributed to the disaster. Local officials and the Coast Guard have urged boaters to exercise extreme caution during adverse weather conditions on the lake.
As the community mourns the loss, the rescue teams remain committed to locating the missing individuals. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness and safety on the water.
