Lake Tahoe tragedy leaves six dead and two missing as witness says ‘never seen waves like this before’

What was meant to be a summer day of leisure on Lake Tahoe turned catastrophic when powerful north winds, rarely seen this time of year, unleashed towering waves that overturned several boats near D.L. Bliss State Park on Saturday afternoon.

By late Saturday night, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO) confirmed six people dead, two still missing, and two others hospitalized following the unexpected disaster. Dive teams and search crews plan to resume operations early Sunday morning in hopes of locating the missing individuals.

Chaos erupted around 3 p.m. when the wind abruptly shifted direction, whipping up eight to ten-foot wave troughs — conditions seasoned boaters described as deadlier than 30-foot ocean waves. Joby Cefalu, a local captain with decades on the lake, said bluntly, “It was a very, very tragic day on Lake Tahoe… I have never seen it as bad as it was on Saturday.”

The ten passengers involved were aboard a 27-foot Chris Craft vessel that capsized in the churning water. Witnesses and park staff rushed to help, and a seasonal lifeguard and ranger were among the first to pull victims from the icy lake. The US Coast Guard and California State Parks swiftly joined the rescue, performing CPR and ferrying survivors to shore, but some could not be revived despite desperate efforts.

One victim was pulled from the water and rushed to Lester Beach, where emergency medical services attempted to save them but ultimately pronounced them dead on scene.

Authorities have not yet released the names of those lost, pending family notifications. Meanwhile, the EDSO helicopter and a USCG airplane circled above into the night, scanning the lake’s dark surface for any sign of the missing.

Locals are shaken by the sheer force of Saturday’s storm, which blindsided even seasoned mariners. As rescue teams brace to continue their grim task at first light, the Lake Tahoe community is left grappling with sorrow and disbelief.

Officials urge boaters and visitors to stay informed about weather updates and remain vigilant, as nature’s sudden fury can turn a serene day on the water into a nightmare within moments.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.