The eight victims of the tragic Lake Tahoe boating accident were not wearing life jackets and made no distress calls when their vessel capsized.
Ten boaters aboard a 28-foot gold Chris-Craft vessel set out from the California side of Lake Tahoe last month, eager to enjoy a sun-drenched day on the water for a 71st birthday celebration.
But the day turned fatal when a sudden, powerful storm erupted over the lake – unleashing eight-foot waves, pounding hail and torrential rain – and struck without warning and ultimately capsized their boat, claiming eight lives.
A preliminary report released Wednesday by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that only the two survivors were wearing flotation devices, and no distress call was made when a wave inundated their luxury boat, according to The San Francisco Chronicle.
On the morning of June 21st, the conditions outside were perfect for a carefree weekend outing – clear skies, gentle breezes and steadily rising temperatures.
Despite a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms – a common occurrence for seasoned boaters – hundreds still took to the water that day.
But something shifted around 2pm – some boaters spotted whitecaps forming on the water, while others noticed the wind suddenly picking up, blowing fiercely from the north, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.
According to the new report, the ten boaters were anchored at Emerald Bay when the boat’s operator decided to leave the area as weather conditions began to worsen.
The eight victims of the tragic Lake Tahoe boating accident were not wearing life jackets and made no distress calls when their vessel capsized, a preliminary report released by the NTSB revealed
Ten boaters aboard a 28-foot gold Chris-Craft vessel set out from the California side of Lake Tahoe last month, eager to enjoy a sun-drenched day on the water for a 71st birthday celebration
The day turned fatal when a sudden, powerful storm erupted over the lake – unleashing eight-foot waves, pounding hail and torrential rain (pictured) – that struck without warning and ultimately capsized their boat, claiming eight lives
But as they made their way back, according to one survivor, the waves and wind intensified, and marble-sized hail began accumulating in the boat, as reported by SF Chronicle.
In an attempt to halt the unfolding chaos, the driver activated two bilge pumps – each capable of removing up to 1,100 gallons per hour – according to the report.
From that moment, conditions deteriorated rapidly, transforming a calm day into a desperate race against time and nature – as eight-foot waves, 30-knot winds and hail engulfed the lake within just minutes.
The engine of the ill-fated vessel failed approximately 50 to 100 yards from shore, near D.L. Bliss State Park.
Once the boat came to a stop, some passengers tried to bail out water – but their efforts were overwhelmed as a large wave crashed over the side.
According to Wednesday’s report, one of the two survivors quickly put on a life jacket and began handing them out to others on board – but no one else immediately put theirs on.
Moments later, the boat capsized, throwing all 10 passengers into the frigid 54-degree water. One survivor told investigators that it had begun to snow, according to the outlet.
At around 3pm, a group of hikers called 911 and reported seeing a group in the water after their boat rolled over – all while waves in the area at the time were around eight-feet high.
The engine of the ill-fated vessel failed approximately 50 to 100 yards from shore, near D.L. Bliss State Park, where some passengers tried to bail out water – but their efforts were overwhelmed as a large wave crashed over the side
According to Wednesday’s report, one of the two survivors quickly put on a life jacket and began handing them out to others on board – but no one else immediately put theirs on
At around 3pm, a group of hikers called 911 and reported seeing a group in the water after their boat rolled over – all while waves in the area at the time were around eight-feet high (pictured: rescue efforts)
A hiker and a California State Parks lifeguard helped rescue the two survivors from the water – one was wearing a flotation device, while the other was clinging to one, according to the report.
A massive search-and-rescue operation involving multiple agencies was quickly launched to locate the remaining boaters, including North Tahoe Fire, California State Parks, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Coast Guard.
The recovery operations also required advanced divers and specialized teams, including Wilderness Finder Search Dog Teams.
Six bodies were recovered on the surface of the water near the capsized boat shortly after the storm.
The following day, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a request from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office to assist in recovering the two remaining victims.
The victims of the disaster were identified as: Paula Bozinovich, 71, Terry Pickles, 73, Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, Peter Bayes, 72, Timothy O’Leary, 71, Theresa Giullari, 66, James Guck, 69 and Stephen Lindsay, 63.
The survivors were identified as Amy Friduss and her mother, Julie Lindsay – both from New York – who were treated at a hospital for hypothermia and other injuries, according to SF Chronicle.
At the accident site, investigators recovered four life jackets and a single life ring, according to the report.
Among those who lost their lives was 37-year-old DoorDash executive Josh Pickles , along with his parents – 73-year-old Terry Pickles and 71-year-old Paula Bozinovich (pictured)
Additional flotation devices were later discovered on the boat – some still in their original plastic packaging with tags attached, others tucked away in storage compartments, unused
Two victims – 66-year-old Theresa Giullari (right) and 69-year-old James Guck (left) were visiting from New York when they lost their lives
Additional flotation devices were later discovered on the boat – some still in their original plastic packaging with tags attached, others tucked away in storage compartments, unused.
The boat – which was called Over the Moon – was registered to California and valued at $393,000. The seating capacity was equipped for 12 passengers.
As part of the preliminary report, investigators interviewed one survivor, a lifeguard, several witnesses, Good Samaritans and other boating personnel who were involved in the response, as reported by the outlet.
The report also noted that investigators examined the boat – salvaged from the lake the day after the incident – and found no evidence of a hull breach, grounding or collision with any object.
Among those who lost their lives was 37-year-old DoorDash executive Josh Pickles, along with his parents – 73-year-old Terry Pickles and 71-year-old Paula Bozinovich.
Pickles’ wife had stayed home taking care of their seven-month-old daughter at the time of the disaster, according to Fox News. The group was celebrating his mother’s 71st birthday on Lake Tahoe.
Two other victims were also from California: Josh Pickles’ uncle, 72-year-old Peter Bayes, and 71-year-old Timothy O’Leary.
The three remaining victims – 66-year-old Theresa Giullari, 69-year-old James Guck and 63-year-old Stephen Lindsay – were visiting from New York.
‘These individuals were part of a closely connected family group enjoying a birthday gathering on the lake,’ the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office said in a June 24 statement.
‘We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event.’
