News Summary
A 19-year-old man drowned at Calaveras Lake, prompting a major recovery operation led by local emergency agencies. Brayan Salvador Morales Mota went under the water near the boat docks and failed to resurface, leading to an extensive search that transitioned into a recovery operation when he was pronounced missing. Utilizing sonar technology, responders located his body later in the day, highlighting the dangers associated with recreational water activities.
San Antonio, Texas
A 19-year-old man drowned at Calaveras Lake on Sunday morning, prompting a significant recovery operation involving multiple emergency agencies. The tragedy unfolded around 11 a.m. near the boat docks located at 12991 Bernhardt Road.
The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) received an emergency call related to a water rescue shortly after the incident occurred. Witnesses reported that Brayan Salvador Morales Mota, who later was identified by the county medical examiner, went under the water and failed to resurface.
In response to the emergency call, several local agencies deployed boats and personnel to initiate a search for the young man. Teams systematically scoured the lake’s waters but were unable to locate him immediately. By 2:30 p.m., the operation transitioned from a search effort to a recovery operation as the situation shifted towards finding Morales Mota’s body.
Recovery efforts were enhanced by the use of sonar technology, which aided crews in pinpointing the submerged location of Morales Mota. Despite the challenging circumstances, emergency responders persevered with determination to recover him as daylight began to wane.
After several hours of extensive searching, his body was finally located and recovered just before 6 p.m. Multiple county and state agencies collaborated effectively throughout the operation, demonstrating a coordinated response to the tragic incident.
Details of the Incident
Calaveras Lake has been a popular destination for recreational activities, including boating and fishing, drawing many visitors during warmer months. The area surrounding the boat docks is frequently occupied by families and groups looking to enjoy the water.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with water-related activities, especially for inexperienced swimmers. Authorities frequently urge individuals to practice safety precautions when engaging in activities in and around lakes and rivers, including wearing life jackets and swimming in designated areas.
Community Response
The news of Morales Mota’s drowning has sent shockwaves through the local community. Friends and family have expressed their grief over the loss of a young life, reflecting on the memories that will be cherished in light of this tragic event. Local authorities have also extended condolences to the family during this difficult time.
In the aftermath of the incident, discussions surrounding water safety measures are expected to gain traction within the community. Engagements involving local safety organizations and community leaders may become increasingly common to emphasize water safety awareness in the face of such tragedies.
As investigations continue, local officials will review the circumstances surrounding the incident to provide guidance on preventing future drownings. Overall, the focus remains on honoring the memory of Brayan Salvador Morales Mota while raising awareness about water safety in San Antonio and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Recovery Operation Concludes with Identification of Drowning Victim
Kids Enjoy a Day of Fishing at San Antonio’s Annual Fish Day
Additional Resources
- KENS5: Calaveras Lake Drowning
- Wikipedia: Calaveras Lake
- KSAT: Search Underway for Swimmer at Calaveras Lake
- Google Search: Calaveras Lake Drowning
- MSN: 19-Year-Old Man Found Dead
- Google Scholar: Calaveras Lake Drowning
- Express News: Man Drowned at Calaveras Lake
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Calaveras Lake
- KENS5: Man Drowning at Calaveras Lake
- Google News: Calaveras Lake Drowning

Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.


