ix people have died and two are still missing after a 27-foot boat capsized near D.L. Bliss State Park on Lake Tahoe, causing a major search and rescue operation. Rough weather and high winds were factors in the tragic event.
A tragic boat accident on Lake Tahoe left six dead and two still missing after a 27-foot Chris-Craft boat capsized near D.L. Bliss State Park on June 21, 2025. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with local emergency responders, launched a major search and rescue operation in the aftermath of the incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. that Saturday.
The vessel, carrying 10 people, overturned due to massive swells amidst high winds, according to initial reports. The boat capsized in conditions where wind speeds reached 30 knots, and waves were between six to eight feet high, with some witnesses claiming swells up to 10 feet deep.
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A video captured by veteran Lake Tahoe mariner Joby Cefalu showed rapidly intensifying waves moments before the boat capsized, and described the conditions as worse than anything he had seen in his decades of navigating the lake.
“I’ve been on Lake Tahoe for years, and I’ve never seen winds this intense during the summer,” Cefalu remarked, emphasizing how unusual such extreme northern winds were in the region. “It was a very, very tragic day on Lake Tahoe.”
Search and Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Emergency crews, including responders from the Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe, California State Parks, and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the scene after receiving reports of several individuals in the water. Two people were rescued from the lake and transported to a nearby hospital, while others were found in critical condition.
The search for the missing individuals continued the following day, but by Sunday afternoon, the Coast Guard had suspended its search at approximately 3:15 p.m. The identities of the deceased and missing persons have not yet been disclosed.
The tragic incident on Lake Tahoe follows a similar water-related death just weeks earlier, when 18-year-old Ava Moore was killed while kayaking on Lake Grapevine in Texas. Moore, a recent graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy preparatory program, was struck by a personal watercraft (PWC) in late May, and the operator fled the scene.
Details from the Texas Kayaking Incident
On May 25, 2025, Ava Moore was kayaking on Lake Grapevine when a collision occurred with a PWC. Moore was thrown into the water and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The driver of the PWC fled the scene but was later identified as Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, who was arrested along with her male companion Maikel Coello Perozo.
Moore’s death has left her family, friends, and the wider community grieving. A GoFundMe campaign described Moore as an “outstanding student and athlete” who was devoted to serving her country. The U.S. Air Force Academy paid tribute to Moore, describing her as an exceptional cadet candidate who had inspired those around her with her leadership and dedication.
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What We Can Learn from These Tragic Accidents
The Dangers of Extreme Weather: Both incidents highlight the unpredictable and sometimes deadly nature of water activities. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and it’s crucial to always check forecasts before heading out on the water.
The Importance of Safety Measures: Whether kayaking or boating, proper safety measures—such as wearing life vests and staying aware of your surroundings—are essential. Both of these tragedies underscore the need for vigilance when participating in water activities.
The Ripple Effects of Loss: The tragic deaths of both the Lake Tahoe boaters and Ava Moore are reminders of the lasting impact of such accidents on families, communities, and entire organizations like the U.S. Air Force Academy, which has committed to supporting Moore’s family through this difficult time.
