A sudden storm at Lake Tahoe has resulted in a tragic boating accident, claiming the lives of several individuals. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a gold 27-foot tourist boat capsized, sending ten people into the frigid waters. As of Monday, authorities confirmed that two additional bodies had been recovered, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight. Only two people from the boat were rescued alive.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as the storm hit. Ms. Brigantino, a local who grew up in the area, was enjoying a day out with friends, all of whom work in the Western industry. They were there to create social media content, capturing fun moments on the water. However, within just 35 minutes of coming ashore, she noted the alarming sight of nine boats piled up in front of them as the storm rapidly intensified.
Ms. Brigantino said she was familiar with how quickly weather can change in Lake Tahoe, but the ferocity of this squall caught everyone off guard. "It happened suddenly. The water was just screaming toward the shore," she recalled. Locals expressed disbelief at the storm’s strength, stating they hadn’t witnessed anything like it in decades.
The accident unfolded in the southwestern part of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, known for its usually calm and sunny conditions. Despite forecasts of poor weather, no one anticipated such a powerful squall.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office has not released the names of the victims, emphasizing that proper notifications to families must be made first. The Coast Guard reported that all six individuals initially found deceased were adults.
The storm passed as quickly as it arrived, with the skies clearing and the sun returning to Lake Tahoe by late afternoon. Ms. Brigantino captured the dramatic shift in weather, showing the contrast between the stormy grey skies and the serene sapphire waters that followed.