George Ferguson, the 67-year-old sailor who went missing after running his sailboat aground near Alcatraz Island, has been found alive and well near San Pablo Bay according to the Petaluma Police Department. Ferguson, who had cognitive issues and limited boating experience, had purchased and begun living aboard the 30-foot Islander Sailboat named "Bianca" just before his disappearance.
Ferguson's family was understandably worried and in distress after losing communication with him on August 18, 2023 as reported by Hoodline. They alerted authorities, who initiated a search for the inexperienced sailor with the assistance of the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard confirmed their involvement in assisting Ferguson on August 18th and had attempted to reach him via maritime radio on multiple occasions without any response.
On August 26, 2023, the Solano County Sheriff’s Officer Maritime Unit alerted the United States Coast Guard to a boat in the San Pablo Bay which turned out to be Ferguson’s. The missing sailor was found in good health, and his boat was towed to a marina in Vallejo. Details about Ferguson’s travels and the condition of his boat remain unavailable at this time. Ferguson’s family has been contacted, and he is no longer considered missing.
The Petaluma Police Department has expressed its gratitude to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Coast Guard for their collaborative effort to locate George Ferguson.
