Eight individuals lost their lives after the capsizing of a 27-foot boat on Lake Tahoe, California, during a sudden storm on Saturday afternoon. The final two missing victims were recovered by Monday, June 23, 2025, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities.
Reports to the U.S. Coast Guard came in at around 3 p.m. on June 21, 2025, regarding a capsized gold Chris-Craft vessel with 10 people aboard near D.L. Bliss State Park, just west of the Nevada border. The boat capsized amid waves reaching six to eight feet and winds nearing 35 mph in the area.
Two individuals, Julie Lindsay and her daughter Amy Friduss, were rescued from the lake and taken to a local hospital for treatment of hypothermia and injuries. Both were wearing life jackets at the time of the capsizing, which likely contributed to their survival.
The eight individuals who lost their lives were later identified as Paula Bozinovich, Terry Pickles, Joshua Antony Pickles, Peter Bayes, Timothy O’Leary, Theresa Giullari, James Guck, and Stephen Lindsay.
The Coast Guard ended its search for the two missing passengers at 10:55 a.m. on Sunday, after covering an area of more than 390 square miles during a 12-hour operation. The bodies of the two initially missing individuals were recovered in the following days, bringing the total death toll to eight.
Weather conditions worsened rapidly, leading to the incident. Witnesses reported a sudden escalation in winds around 3 p.m., creating perilous conditions on the lake. The National Weather Service recorded sustained winds of 29 mph, with gusts peaking at 45 mph in South Lake Tahoe, California, between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Air temperatures dropped to 38 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill near freezing, while water temperatures ranged from 58 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Such conditions pose a significant risk for hypothermia for anyone in the water.
Multiple agencies responded, including Coast Guard boat crews, Air Station Sacramento C-27 Spartan aircrew, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 units, as well as California State Parks rangers and seasonal lifeguards. A lifeguard and ranger were able to reach two individuals and bring them to shore, starting resuscitation efforts.
Experienced boaters were taken by surprise by the storm’s severity. Charter boat operator Chris Williams, who was on the lake with Tahoe Sports, described how conditions deteriorated. He stated that vessels were pushed to their limits to ensure client safety, with swells reaching seven to 10 feet, calling it an act of God.
The boat capsized near Rooster Rock, a location with an underwater drop-off over 300 feet deep, complicating rescue and recovery operations.
Beyond the capsizing, the storm caused further damage at Camp Richardson Marina, where officials reported numerous boats damaged or submerged. Approximately 10 vessels sank, and many damaged crafts washed ashore. Most of the affected boats were rentals, according to Angel Tapia of the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response.
Environmental concerns arose as crews worked to contain petroleum products from the damaged boats. Tapia’s team focused on preventing fuel spread across the lake, although no severely ruptured fuel tanks were found.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office issued a temporary water system advisory for residents along Jameson Beach Road due to potential contamination from hazardous materials at the Camp Richardson pier. The advisory was lifted by early evening after officials deemed the water safe.
Residents described the storm as unprecedented for Lake Tahoe. Boater Brian Swenor, caught in Emerald Bay during the storm, stated that in 20 years of boating, he had never encountered such severe weather. He described navigating the wave tops as swells approached his vessel.
In the aftermath, the Coast Guard emphasized safety precautions, urging all mariners to wear life jackets regardless of their experience level, to check weather conditions before setting out, to file float plans, and to carry operational VHF radios for emergencies. According to the National Parks Service, without life jackets, survival in cold water is limited to about 10 minutes before individuals are unable to save themselves.
