Three individuals have lost their lives, and nine others are currently unaccounted for following the capsizing of a boat suspected of carrying migrants off the coast of San Diego County, California, as reported by U.S. authorities on Monday.
The unfortunate event transpired in the early morning hours near the Del Mar shoreline, situated north of Torrey Pines State Beach, close to the California-Mexico border, according to the EFE news agency.
The U.S. Coast Guard received a distress call around 6:30 a.m. local time, alerting them to a capsized panga boat carrying approximately 18 people. Hunter Schnabel, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, informed the press that three passengers were found deceased, while four others were rescued alive. The survivors were promptly given medical attention upon being pulled from the water.
Efforts are still underway to locate the remaining nine missing individuals. So far, authorities have not disclosed any information regarding the nationalities of the passengers, although pangas are often used in illegal attempts to enter the United States from Mexico.
Rescue operations continue with the support of both maritime and aerial units. The Coast Guard has yet to release further details about the conditions leading to the capsizing or any possible involvement of human trafficking networks.
This tragic incident starkly highlights the extreme dangers faced by hundreds of migrants attempting to reach U.S. soil via maritime routes, risking perilous conditions and the potential loss of life.
Key Questions About the San Diego Migrant Boat Tragedy
What caused the boat to capsize near San Diego?
The exact conditions leading to the boat's capsizing have not been disclosed by the Coast Guard. Investigations are ongoing to determine the factors involved.
How many people were on board the capsized boat?
The boat was carrying approximately 18 individuals when it capsized off the San Diego coast.
What actions are being taken to find the missing migrants?
The search for the missing individuals is ongoing with the assistance of maritime and aerial units from the U.S. Coast Guard.