A wooden skiff believed to be ferrying migrants toward the U.S. capsized in stormy seas near San Diego, leaving at least four people dead and four hospitalized, the Coast Guard reported on Saturday. The U.S. Border Patrol located the vessel late Friday night off Imperial Beach. During initial search efforts, six individuals were found on the beach; one was pronounced dead and another was rescued from beneath the boat.
Two hours later, authorities responded to a report of someone in the water and located three more fatalities. The Coast Guard continues to search for others who may have been aboard the vessel. Survivors included several claiming to have Mexican nationality while one individual was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security for further investigation.
This case highlights the severe risks posed to individuals attempting to enter the United States by sea on unstable vessels, said Coast Guard Capt. Robert Tucker of Sector San Diego.
The incident occurred amid a powerful storm affecting Southern California which has brought flash floods and mudslide warnings.
Pangas, open fishing boats often used by smugglers, have become a common vessel for migrants attempting to reach the U.S. coast under risky conditions. In recent years, numerous capsizing incidents have raised significant safety concerns.
The rising toll of these tragic maritime crossings has caught international attention. In May, a panga incident north of the border resulted in three fatalities. In 2023, heavy fog contributed to the deaths of eight migrants when two boats capsized off a San Diego beach.
Globally, nearly 9,000 individuals died last year while trying to cross borders, according to U.N. migration statistics, marking a five-year record of increasing fatalities in such attempts.
Two hours later, authorities responded to a report of someone in the water and located three more fatalities. The Coast Guard continues to search for others who may have been aboard the vessel. Survivors included several claiming to have Mexican nationality while one individual was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security for further investigation.
This case highlights the severe risks posed to individuals attempting to enter the United States by sea on unstable vessels, said Coast Guard Capt. Robert Tucker of Sector San Diego.
The incident occurred amid a powerful storm affecting Southern California which has brought flash floods and mudslide warnings.
Pangas, open fishing boats often used by smugglers, have become a common vessel for migrants attempting to reach the U.S. coast under risky conditions. In recent years, numerous capsizing incidents have raised significant safety concerns.
The rising toll of these tragic maritime crossings has caught international attention. In May, a panga incident north of the border resulted in three fatalities. In 2023, heavy fog contributed to the deaths of eight migrants when two boats capsized off a San Diego beach.
Globally, nearly 9,000 individuals died last year while trying to cross borders, according to U.N. migration statistics, marking a five-year record of increasing fatalities in such attempts.
