LAKE TAHOE (El Dorado County), Calif. – July 25, 2025
Federal investigators on July 23 released a preliminary report into the tragic June 21 capsizing of the recreational vessel Over the Moon, which claimed eight lives and injured two near D.L. Bliss State Park.
The 28-foot Chris‑Craft Launch‑28 GT, registered in California and valued at approximately $393,000, departed Tahoe City at 10:40 a.m. with an initial party of four and then picked up six more passengers at a second marina.
At 11:58 a.m., it steamed 10 nautical miles south to Emerald Bay, where the group anchored for about 90 minutes. Weather was clear, with light southerly winds and an air temperature of 54 °F.
Around 2 p.m., clouds gathered and the operator attempted to return to the marina; deteriorating weather forced a return to Emerald Bay, followed by a second departure attempt about 10 minutes later.
One survivor told investigators that waves began at 2–3 feet, marble‑sized hail landed on the deck, and waves rapidly grew to 8–10 feet. The operator activated the two 1,100‑gallon‑per‑hour bilge pumps, but water accumulated.
By 2:53 p.m., winds gusted to nearly 34–39 mph, and time‑lapse imagery recorded rain, hail and snow at the site.
The vessel’s engine stalled when it was 50 to 100 yards offshore, leaving it broadside to the waves. As the boat began listing, passengers attempted to bail. One survivor donned a personal flotation device (PFD) and offered them to others—but no one else put them on before the vessel rolled over at 2:57 p.m., dumping all aboard into the 54 °F water.
Six passengers died at the scene; two more were recovered from the lake bottom the next day. None of the deceased were wearing life jackets, though multiple PFDs—including some still in packaging—were found on board.
According to the report, no distress calls were made; instead, hikers witnessed the capsize and dialed 911.
Two survivors—a mother and daughter from New York—were rescued by a California State Parks lifeguard and other Good Samaritans. One was wearing a life vest; the other clung to one and suffered from hypothermia but survived.
South Lake Tahoe Police Lt. Scott Crivelli noted that while Lake Tahoe averages six drowning deaths each summer, mass‑fatality boating accidents are rare.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a parallel investigation, and toxicology results for the deceased remain pending.
Context & Safety Message
Mariners and recreational boaters are reminded of local regulations: while life jackets are only legally required for children under 13, every boat must carry a properly fitting PFD for each passenger—even adults. This tragedy underscores the life‑saving importance of wearing flotation devices before, not after, a storm hits. Captain James Carvelho, a master mariner’s licensed from the U.S. Coast Guard, commented:
“If there was ever a situation where I felt the passengers were in danger, I’d insist they put on life jackets. So often when you see these tragedies, they so often aren’t wearing life jackets.”
Timeline at a Glance
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~10:40 a.m. | Boat launched from Tahoe City |
| ~11:58 a.m. | Arrived at Emerald Bay |
| ~2 p.m. | Storm clouds appear; return attempt begins |
| ~2:45–2:53 p.m. | Hail and wind intensify; waves reach 8‑10 ft |
| 2:57 p.m. | Overturned near D.L. Bliss State Park |
| ~3 p.m. | Hikers call 911; rescue begins |
| Next day | Final two victims recovered |
Local Impacts
Residents of El Dorado County, including boaters on the western Lake Tahoe shore, may cast awareness over sudden storm risks—especially in areas like Emerald Bay and the vicinity of D.L. Bliss State Park. Local marinas, the county sheriff’s marine unit, and State Parks authorities are evaluating potential safety guidelines or early warning enhancements.
