A wooden skiff believed to have been ferrying migrants toward the U.S. capsized in stormy seas near San Diego, leaving at least four people dead and four hospitalized, according to the Coast Guard's report on Saturday.
The U.S. Border Patrol discovered the vessel in the surf off Imperial Beach late Friday night. Six individuals were found on the beach close to midnight; one was pronounced dead while another was rescued from under the vessel.
About two hours later, authorities received another report of someone in the water near Imperial Beach Pier. A Coast Guard team responded and found three additional deceased individuals in the ocean.
The Coast Guard is continuing to search for any others who may have been on board the capsized vessel. Survivors reportedly included individuals of Mexican nationality, while others remain unidentified. Additionally, one affected person was transferred to the Department of Homeland Security.
“Our crews and partner agencies responded immediately, but this case demonstrates the severe risks posed to individuals attempting to enter the United States by sea in unstable vessels,” stated Coast Guard Capt. Robert Tucker, Sector San Diego commander.
This tragic incident unfolded amid a strong storm system that struck Southern California over the weekend, prompting warnings for flash flooding and mudslides. The boat involved was identified as a panga, typically used by smugglers as well as for fishing purposes.
Migrants increasingly rely on dangerous sea routes orchestrated by smugglers, opting for this perilous alternative to avoid the heavily secured land borders, especially along California’s coast. Pangas often embark from Mexico at night and may travel hundreds of miles northward.
Recent years have witnessed numerous incidents involving migrant vessels capsizing en route to California. In May, at least three individuals perished when a panga flipped off the coast, roughly 35 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. In 2023, eight lives were lost when two migrant smuggling boats approached a San Diego beach during heavy fog, resulting in a deadly capsizing incident.
A federal court sentenced a San Diego man to 18 years in prison in 2022 for piloting an overcrowded vessel with 32 migrants onboard, which succumbed to strong surf, causing three deaths and injuring over two dozen individuals.
Data indicates that nearly 9,000 people died last year while attempting to cross international borders, according to reports from the U.N. migration agency, marking a record for the fifth consecutive year. The U.N. Missing Migrant Project notes that over 24,506 individuals have been reported dead and missing in the central Mediterranean between 2014 and 2024, with many deaths unrecorded.
