BODEGA BAY, California. – At least one person died and four others remain missing after their boat capsized near Bodega Bay on Saturday.

The Coast Guard announced that it stopped the searches around 18:30 on Sunday.

According to the Coast Guard, one person was rescued on Sunday. Another boater was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities confirmed to KTVU that the surviving boater was 11 years old. The sheriff’s office said the boy went ashore and was being treated. Wreckage was also found along the shore.

The health condition of the 11-year-old child is not yet known.

The age of the deceased boater is not yet clear.

Rescuers searched more than 2,100 square miles.

“The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and never taken lightly,” said Chief Warrant Officer Michael L. Zapawa, search and rescue coordinator. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missing boaters during this incredibly difficult time.”

The weather was very rough, with waves up to 14 feet and gusts of 40 mph, and winds continued overnight and into Sunday, officials said.

“This coast is changing really quickly. There’s a lot of energy in the ocean and the water temperatures are really cold and conditions are changing quickly. So even an experienced boater can be caught off guard,” said Sonoma Sheriff’s Acting Public Information Officer Rob Dillion.

According to the sheriff’s office, there were three adults and three juveniles aboard the 21-foot blue-and-white Bayliner Boat, which set out to go crabbing Saturday afternoon.

Boat rescue off Bodega Bay on November 3, 2024.

Authorities said they last heard from the people on the ship around 3 p.m., when a cell phone signal came on in the Carmet Beach area.

“We’re searching from Bodega Bay to Point Reyes and 20 miles offshore. Changes in tides, changes in currents, wind conditions, sea conditions, all of those things can increase the search area,” Chief Petty Officer Levi Read said.

The boat was expected to return around 7 p.m., and the sheriff’s office received a call about the missing boat around 10:20 p.m. Saturday.

The situation was reported to the US Coast Guard around 23.40.

The Sonoma County Fire Department is assisting in the search, along with the sheriff’s marine unit, drone team, search and rescue team and the U.S. Air Force.

Those searching included a cutter from Coast Guard Station Bodega Bay as well as aircraft from three weather stations: San Francisco, Sacramento and Humboldt Bay.