A three-deck pontoon vessel sank off the coast of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, US officials said Wednesday. One person died and three missing people are presumed dead after a search-and-rescue operation was called off.

The incident occurred around 3:35 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Responders found the vessel capsized and almost completely submerged, with the engine still running and leaking fuel. A dog also died in the capsizing, while 16 others were rescued.

Search teams, including planes, boats and helicopters, looked for the missing throughout the night. The Coast Guard called off the search at sunset Wednesday after hopes of finding them alive vanished. Local police and fire departments assisted.

San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen said initial reports of a fire on the boat were unsubstantiated. Rescuers used thermal imaging, tide prediction and modeling to guide efforts. The vessel was a privately owned "pontoon pleasure boat," according to Lieutenant Elias Mariano.

Alcatraz Island, about 1 mile offshore, is home to the famous former federal prison, now a tourist destination. The prison was notorious for being inescapable due to strong currents and cold waters. It remains unclear if the boat was heading to the island.

Source: www.dw.com