Three people have been confirmed dead, and nine others remain missing after a panga-style boat washed ashore near SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, on Monday. The U.S. COAST GUARD is leading the search for the missing individuals off the coast of DEL MAR following reports of an overturned vessel.
First responders arriving at the scene discovered three deceased individuals and four survivors, according to FOX11 LOS ANGELES. The SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE is assisting the Coast Guard in providing life-saving measures related to the maritime incident, which occurred near the 200 block of STRATFORD COURT.
Authorities have urged the public to expect increased law enforcement activity in the area. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and the Coast Guard has not yet determined the origin of the 12-foot boat before it capsized.
JORGE SANCHEZ, Deputy Fire Chief with the ENCINITAS FIRE DEPARTMENT, reported that multiple individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment of various injuries.
Earlier in the day, hikers and visitors at TORREY PINES STATE BEACH reported seeing the boat capsize near the shore around 6:30 a.m. LIEUTENANT NICK BACKOURIS of the SAN DIEGO SHERIFF’S OFFICE confirmed that a doctor hiking nearby called in to report seeing people performing CPR on the beach.
Panga boats, typically designed for fishing, are often used by smugglers. This incident follows a tragic event in 2023, where eight people died when two migrant smuggling boats approached a SAN DIEGO beach in heavy fog, resulting in one boat capsizing in the surf.
The search and investigation are ongoing.
Source: FOX11 LOS ANGELES, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS