by San Diego, CA — A tragic maritime incident unfolded late Friday night off Imperial Beach in San Diego County, where a wooden skiff believed to be carrying migrants toward the United States capsized in stormy conditions. Authorities confirmed that four people died, while four others were rescued and hospitalized.
Boat Found Overnight Amid Rough Seas
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the vessel — described as a wooden panga boat commonly used by smugglers — was first spotted by the U.S. Border Patrol in the surf late Friday. Six individuals were found along the shoreline just before midnight.
- One person was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Another survivor was discovered trapped beneath the overturned vessel and was pulled out alive.
- Four individuals were transported to the hospital with varying injuries.
More Victims Found Near Imperial Beach Pier
Roughly two hours after the first discovery, authorities received a distress report of a person struggling in the water near the Imperial Beach Pier. A responding Coast Guard crew located three people floating in the ocean, all of whom were declared dead.
Rescue teams continued searching the surrounding waters on Saturday amid concerns that additional passengers may still be missing. The names and nationalities of the deceased have not yet been released.
Storm Conditions Made Rescue Efforts Difficult
A strong Pacific storm system swept across Southern California over the weekend, bringing warnings of flash floods and mudslides. High surf and choppy seas created dangerous conditions along San Diego’s coastline, complicating both navigation and search-and-rescue operations.
Capt. Robert Tucker, Commander of Coast Guard Sector San Diego, said the fatal incident highlights the ongoing dangers associated with coastal smuggling attempts.
“This case demonstrates the severe risks posed to aliens attempting to enter the United States by sea in unstable vessels,” Capt. Tucker stated.
Several survivors told authorities they were of Mexican nationality, while others have not yet been identified. One survivor has been handed over to the Department of Homeland Security for further processing.
Rise in Maritime Smuggling Off California
Authorities say the number of migrants attempting to reach the U.S. by sea has been increasing as they try to bypass heavily fortified land borders. These journeys typically begin in Mexico under the cover of darkness, with panga boats sometimes traveling hundreds of miles north along the coastline.
San Diego has seen multiple deadly incidents involving maritime smuggling in recent years:
- May 2024: At least three people died when a panga capsized about 35 miles north of the border.
- 2023: Eight migrants were killed when two smuggling boats approached a San Diego beach in heavy fog, with one of the vessels overturning in the surf.
- 2022: A San Diego man received an 18-year federal sentence for piloting an overloaded boat carrying 32 migrants; the vessel broke apart in rough waves, killing three people.
Read Also: Police: Woman Arrested in Death of Her Daughter with Autism After Disturbing Admission
Global Migrant Death Toll Continues to Rise
The dangers associated with irregular migration are not limited to U.S. coastal routes. According to the United Nations’ Missing Migrant Project, nearly 9,000 people died worldwide in 2023 while attempting to cross international borders — the highest number recorded for the fifth consecutive year.
The agency also reports that more than 24,500 migrants have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean between 2014 and 2024. Many of these deaths remain unrecorded, meaning the actual toll may be significantly higher.
Search Efforts Continue
As of Saturday evening, the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, and local agencies were continuing search efforts off Imperial Beach in hopes of locating any additional survivors. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were originally aboard the vessel.
Residents along the shoreline have been urged to stay clear of the search area and report any sightings of debris or individuals needing help.
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