SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Multiple agencies were on Lake Tahoe Saturday, as always are, patrolling the water and assisting water recreationists. When the fast-moving storm hit around 3 p.m., they were quickly called into action on a large-scale emergency at marinas and along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe.
South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has Marine 17, South Lake Tahoe Police Department staffs Marine 1, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO) is on Marine 3, and the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District is on board Marine 24. They were joined in the rescue efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard, EDSO Search and Rescue and dive teams, and a California State Parks ranger and seasonal lifeguard. It was evident in the first moments that all resources would need to respond to what was reported as multiple people in the lake, boats taking on water and capsizing, and other dangerous situations.
Tahoe Douglas Fire Rescue responded to a request for mutual aid from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue at 3:24 p.m. The incident involved multiple individuals in distress in the waters of Lake Tahoe and quickly escalated into a large-scale, multi-agency rescue operation. Marine 1 responded to the area of D.L. Bliss State Park for the report of multiple people in the water. Amid waves reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet, a vessel carrying multiple individuals capsized, sending all those on board into the frigid, rough ocean-like waters.
TDFPD Rescue Swimmers operated from Marine 24 in coordination with Marine 17 and Marine 3, jointly conducting multiple recovery efforts.
The emergency response also included all available ambulances from Carson City to Lake Valley Fire.
TDFPD Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Steventon recovered two individuals at D.L. Bliss, while Captain Trent Renner, a rescue swimmer from North Tahoe Fire, recovered a third and swam the victims to Marine 24. Tragically, none of the three survived (they were part of the six who died when their Chris-Craft boat capsized at D.L. Bliss).
TDFPD evaluated another eight patients at Zephyr Cove Marina. SLTFR assisted people in the water along the South Shore, as well as responding to D.L. Bliss. Even with the multiple rescues, six people were found deceased, and two are still missing from the day’s event.
‘I would like to thank all public safety personnel who responded to this rescue and risked their own safety in order to save the lives of others,” said South Lake Tahoe Police Lt. Scott Crivelli. “I would also like to thank our public safety dispatchers. The ability they have to manage an overwhelming number of 911 calls, send fire and police resources, complete additional tasks and requests from personnel on scene, all simultaneously while staying calm, cool, and collected, is remarkable.”
“This incident underscores the unpredictable and hazardous conditions that Lake Tahoe can present, as well as the critical importance of interagency coordination and preparedness,” said TDFPD PIO Michelle Turner. “It also serves as a somber reminder of the life-saving importance of wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on the water. Even the most experienced swimmers can be overwhelmed by sudden weather changes, high winds, or cold-water shock. Wearing a life vest greatly increases the chance of survival during unexpected emergencies.”
Lake Tahoe’s weather conditions can change rapidly and become extremely dangerous with little notice. Crivelli said they urge everyone to respect the power and unpredictability of Lake Tahoe and to remain vigilant about safety on the water.
South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jim Drennan echoed what the other agencies stated, and all passed on their condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the families, friends, and communities affected by this tragedy.
This tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of boating safety, said Crivelli:
- Always check weather conditions and forecasts before heading out onto the lake—even on clear days.
- Avoid boating during high wind advisories or storm warnings.
- Wear life jackets at all times. Conditions like those seen yesterday leave little room for error or delay.
- Lake Tahoe is cold! Even in the middle of summer, the frigid temperatures of the Lake Tahoe will bring on hypothermia much quicker than one can predict.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to all the agencies and responders involved,” said Crivelli.
Lake Tahoe resident Bob Buehler was listening to the situation unfold on a marine radio. “It clearly showed how well the Coast Guard and the on-water patrol boats worked together to save many lives.”
EDSO will continue their search for the missing two boaters on Monday, and the Coast Guard has suspended their search unless the situation changes.
