A small boat believed to be carrying migrants capsized off the coast of San Diego on Monday morning, leaving three people dead, four injured, and seven missing. The US Coast Guard responded promptly, deploying a helicopter and boat to search for the missing individuals.Among the affected individuals is an Indian family, with two children still unaccounted for, while the parents are receiving medical treatment at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has expressed their sorrow over the tragedy and is providing assistance to the family in coordination with local authorities.
The incident occurred about 35 miles north of the Mexico border near Torrey Pines State Beach, shortly after sunrise. The boat, a panga—an open fishing vessel commonly used by smugglers—flipped in the ocean, according to US Coast Guard Petty Officer Chris Sappey. Authorities believe the passengers were migrants, noting that such vessels are often used to evade heavily patrolled land borders. Migrants frequently rely on smugglers to navigate the dangerous seas in an effort to avoid detection.
The injured were taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, where they are being treated for respiratory issues. Among the injured are three adults in their 30s and one teenager. The hospital did not provide further details on their conditions. Winds in the area were light, with waves reaching approximately six feet, making the conditions hazardous but not extreme.
Hikers at Torrey Pines State Beach reported seeing the boat capsize at around 6.30am (local time). A doctor hiking nearby rushed to the scene, offering assistance and performing CPR on the victims. The search continues for the remaining missing individuals, while authorities investigate the cause of the tragedy.
This incident is another in a series of deadly maritime smuggling cases along the US West Coast. In 2023, eight people died when a migrant smuggling boat capsized near San Diego, one of the deadliest such incidents in recent history. Last year, the UN reported a record high number of fatalities among migrants attempting to cross borders, with nearly 9,000 people losing their lives worldwide.
