Lake Tahoe Deadly Storm: 35 MPH Winds Create 8-Foot Waves Leading to 6 Fatalities

A sudden and powerful thunderstorm struck Lake Tahoe on Saturday, June 21, creating dangerous conditions that capsized boats, damaged watercraft, and led to multiple deaths in what locals are calling one of the most destructive weather events to hit the popular vacation destination in recent memory.

The storm generated winds reaching 35 mph and waves between six to eight feet high, catching many boaters off guard as conditions deteriorated rapidly across the lake. Video footage from South Lake Tahoe shows boats violently crashing into one another near Camp Richardson as waves pushed watercraft ashore and against docks.

“It was a very, very tragic day on Lake Tahoe,” said local boat captain Joby Cefalu, who assisted authorities during the aftermath.

The most devastating incident occurred around 3 p.m. when a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft boat carrying ten people capsized near D.L. Bliss State Park on the southwestern side of the lake. Six people died when the boat overturned after being struck by a large wave. Two survivors were rescued and hospitalized, while two others remain missing.

First responders acted quickly when the emergency calls began coming in. A seasonal lifeguard and park ranger spotted victims in the water from the capsized boat and managed to pull two survivors onto nearby rocks where they immediately began performing CPR while waiting for additional help to arrive.

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The U.S. Coast Guard, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office dive teams, California State Parks rangers, and seasonal lifeguards collaborated in the extensive search and rescue operation. Despite searching over 390 square miles during a 12-hour period, officials made the difficult decision to suspend the search for the two missing individuals on Sunday morning at 10:55 a.m.

“Suspending a search is always a difficult decision to make and weighs heavily on each Coast Guard member involved,” said Coast Guard Commander David Herndon. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those involved in the boat capsize.”

The storm’s impact extended beyond the deadly capsizing. At Camp Richardson, numerous boats were damaged when waves drove them into each other and pushed some vessels ashore. A manager at The Grove Beach Bar & Grill reported their dock hand ensured people were safely away from the beach and boats when the storm hit. While the restaurant avoided damage, many private watercraft weren’t as fortunate.

The aftermath created environmental concerns as well. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office reported hazardous materials near Camp Richardson’s pier, likely fuel leaking from damaged vessels. Officials from the Office of Oil Spill Prevention worked to contain fuel from boats that capsized or ran aground. Authorities warned homeowners along Jameson Beach Road not to use their water systems until proper evaluation could be completed.

The Coast Guard has issued a reminder urging all boaters to always wear life jackets, check weather conditions thoroughly before venturing out, file a float plan with someone on shore, and carry working communication equipment for emergencies.

As recovery efforts continue, local authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending notification of their families. The investigation into the specific circumstances surrounding the capsizing remains ongoing.