South San Francisco police are searching for a man suspected of fleeing with his two kidnapped children aboard a stolen yacht, according to police.
The children, ages 2 and 3, were abducted in the 100 block of James Court in South San Francisco on Tuesday at about 3 p.m.
Police believe that the two were abducted by their father, Christopher Maffei, 43, who fled in a rented white Ford Fusion.
Police said their investigation determined that Maffei drove to Ballena Isle Marina in Alameda where he stole a 40-foot yacht and sailed away with the two children.
The rental car was discovered at the marina and towed for evidence.
The yacht is named "Unleashed" and has "San Francisco, CA" painted on the stern. The yacht was last see at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the area of Mare Island near Vallejo.
Maffei has said in the past that he would like to sail to Monterey or Mexico, according to police.
State, county and federal agencies have been alerted to watch for Maffei, the yacht and the two children.
Anyone who spots them has been asked to contact South San Francisco police at (650) 877-8900.
--Bay City News
What the hell happened? I hope they find the kids safe and sound and they get home to their mom soon. My heart goes out to the families involved.
-SSF Patch Guest Editor, Tay Wiles