NTSB: Survivor Says Boat Stopped Before Tahoe Capsizing That Killed 8

NTSB Releases Detailed Findings on Lake Tahoe Boat Capsizing

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its comprehensive findings regarding a boat that capsized in Lake Tahoe during severe weather conditions, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives and leaving two people injured. The report provides an in-depth look at the events leading up to the accident, the conditions aboard the vessel, and the challenges faced by those attempting to rescue the passengers.

Timeline of Events

The boat, named Over the Moon, was a 28-foot recreational vessel that launched from a boat ramp in Tahoe City around 10:40 a.m. on June 21. Initially, four people were on board, including two registered owners, one of whom was the sole operator. The operator then drove the vessel to two nearby marinas, where they picked up six additional adults at the second marina.

Afterward, the boat headed to Emerald Bay on the western side of the lake, where it remained anchored for at least an hour. At this point, the weather appeared clear with light southerly winds, and no warnings or advisories had been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for the day.

However, the weather changed rapidly later in the afternoon. Although the NWS in Reno initially predicted a 10-20% chance of occasional showers and thunderstorms, the actual conditions turned out to be more severe than anticipated. A meteorologist from NOAA/National Weather Service noted that the sudden change in weather was "sudden, localized and of limited predictability."

Escalating Conditions

Around 2 p.m., the operator decided to return to the marina where they had picked up the six passengers. However, as clouds increased and wind, rain, and waves intensified, the operator attempted to return to Emerald Bay. About 10 minutes later, the operator tried to return to the marina again.

One of the survivors reported that during this time, waves of two to three feet were splashing against the boat, but no water had accumulated on deck. As the winds continued to rise, hail the size of marbles began to collect in the boat, and waves reached up to 10 feet high. Some of these waves broke over the sides and bow of the boat, causing about an inch of water to accumulate on deck. The bilge pumps, which are designed to remove water from the lowest part of the boat’s hull, were operational.

The Capsize

At approximately 2:36 p.m., time-lapse footage captured whitecaps and waves with foam crests on the lake, along with low-layer clouds moving from north to south. By 2:45 p.m., blowing rain and mixed freezing precipitation were visible, and snow began to fall at 2:49 p.m. At 2:53 p.m., an automated weather station recorded winds from the north at 16 mph, with peak gusts reaching nearly 40 mph.

At some point, the boat’s engine stopped, and the vessel ended up sideways, taking on water. Passengers attempted to bail out the water as the boat continued to submerge. A particularly large wave struck the boat, causing it to take on even more water. One survivor had a life jacket on and distributed others to the rest of the passengers, but none were worn immediately.

When the boat rolled over to its right side, the passengers entered the water. The survivor recalled that it started snowing after the boat capsized while people were still in the water. No distress call was made from the Over the Moon.

Rescue Efforts and Aftermath

At 2:57 p.m., a group of hikers witnessed the boat capsize after a large wave hit it. A minute later, one of the hikers called 911. Another hiker and a California State Parks lifeguard helped recover the passengers from the water. As more first responders arrived, a sheriff's marine unit reported seeing eight-foot waves. Crews pulled eight people from the water, two of whom survived. The remaining six died at the scene despite CPR being performed on some of them.

The NTSB confirmed that the six who died did not have life jackets on. Of the survivors, one had theirs on, and the other was clinging to one. Both were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Recovery and Ongoing Investigations

The following day, crews located the remaining two passengers near the lake bottom where the boat had capsized. They also found two life jackets and one life ring. A salvage company recovered the boat, which was examined by the U.S. Coast Guard and NTSB. No evidence of a hull leak, grounding, or contact with any object was found. The NTSB is still analyzing the boat’s two bilge pumps and engine fuel filter.

Toxicology test results for alcohol and other drugs are still pending.

Details About the Vessel

The Over the Moon was a privately owned 28-foot Chris-Craft Launch-28 GT, a gas-powered vessel with a seating capacity for 12 people. It was equipped with two 1,100 gallons-per-hour automatic bilge pumps.