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'It was a scene from the Titanic': Fishermen recall rescuing passengers from sinking boat in SF Bay
By Luz Pena at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC)
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
"It was a scene from the Titanic in real life. Like people banging on the window trying to get out. It's probably something I will never forget." Two commercial fishermen described the desperate rescue efforts they undertook after a three-level vessel sank in San Francisco Bay with 20 people on b...
Key takeaway " Two commercial fishermen described the desperate rescue efforts they undertook after a three-level vessel sank in San Francisco Bay with 20 people on board, leaving several people trapped and others struggling in the water.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The harrowing account of the rescue efforts in San Francisco Bay raises questions about maritime safety in the Greater Los Angeles area. Although the incident occurred in a neighboring region, it has implications for local waterways and the commercial fishing industry that operates in and around Los Angeles. The fact that two commercial fishermen were able to respond quickly and effectively in this emergency highlights the importance of having experienced and trained individuals on the water. As the Los Angeles community relies on its own commercial fishing industry and recreational boating activities, the city's emergency response systems and maritime safety protocols should be reviewed to ensure they are adequate and effective in case of similar incidents. The Los Angeles County community can learn from the heroic actions of the fishermen in San Francisco Bay and consider how to improve its own emergency preparedness and response.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? "It was a scene from the Titanic in real life. Like people banging on the window trying to get out. It's probably something I will never forget." Two commercial fishermen described the desperate rescue efforts they undertook after a three-level vessel sank in San Francisco Bay with 20 people on b...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Luz Pena at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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