A GoFundMe was launched five days ago to support Stefanie Gollmer, a survivor of the Volare boat tragedy and the daughter of Carol Boisa, who was found July 25 in San Francisco Bay near Point Diablo by the San Francisco Police Department's Marine Unit 10.
Valerie Katircioglu, of San Jose, organized the GoFundMe titled, "Support Stefanie After the Volare Boating Tragedy," on behalf of Gollmer. By noon on Thursday, July 30, it had already raised $17,445 of the $25,000 goal, with 52 donations.
"Last week, Stefanie Gollmer survived the tragic Volare boating accident on the San Francisco Bay. During a family memorial gathering, the vessel suddenly capsized. Stefanie escaped through a submerged window and fought her way to the surface before waiting
in the 64-degree bay awaiting rescue by a Good Samaritan," the GoFundMe states. "Tragically, her beloved mother, Carol Boisa, did not escape and remains missing."
On July 28, Katircioglu updated the GoFundMe with the news that Carol Boisa's body had been recovered.
"Carol Boisa’s body was found west of the Golden Gate Bridge. We hope this begins to bring some closure to Stef and her family," the GoFundMe states. "Thank you for your generous donations and for supporting Stefanie as she begins to heal."
The GoFundMe states the donations will help Stefanie with the financial burden of probate and estate legal expenses, costs relating to Carol’s home, belongings, pets, and related travel expenses, memorial and celebration-of-life expenses and other unforeseen expenses that may arise.
"Most importantly, this support will allow Stefanie to focus on healing rather than unexpected financial pressures. If funds remain after these needs have been met, the remaining balance will be donated to one or more nonprofit organizations supporting cat rescue and boating safety education in Carol’s memory. The specific organizations will be selected by Stefanie and her family," the GoFundMe states. "Whether you are able to donate, share this page, or simply keep Stefanie and her family in your thoughts, your kindness means more than words can express."
Who are the victims?
The incident was reported on July 14.
News outlets have reported that most Volare passengers were Boisa family members and friends who had gathered for a memorial service. The boat had left St. Francis Yacht Club to Angel Island before the emergency happened, authorities said. The 50-foot cabin cruiser, which had three different levels, was carrying 20 passengers on board the day it capsized.
Seventeen people were rescued from the water.
The first reported fatality was Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, of Sutter County. He was rescued from the water on July 14 and transported to Gashouse Cove, where he was pronounced dead.
Clifford Boisa and Carol Boisa are siblings.
A friend of the Boisa family, 58-year-old Tondra Madruga of Sacramento County, was on the boat and reported missing. Her body was found on July 17, when a passing vessel alerted The San Francisco Police Department Marine Unit 3 of a body in the water, while conducting sonar scanning west of Treasure Island.
More than two weeks later, Jackie Boisa, Clifford Boisa's wife remains missing.
Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers business and community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. To support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: GoFundMe created to raise funds to honor Carol Boisa, victim of Volare
