A tragedy unfolded early Monday morning near Del Mar, California, when a panga-style boat carrying around 16 people overturned in the waters just north of Torrey Pines State Beach.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, three people were confirmed dead, while nine others remain missing. The remaining four survivors required medical treatment, but their current condition and identities have not been released.
Coast Guard Responds to Emergency Call
At around 6:30 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard received an alert from local authorities regarding the incident. The boat, described as a panga-style vessel — a type commonly used in smuggling operations — was found capsized with multiple people in distress or unaccounted for.
Search and rescue efforts were immediately launched by state and federal agencies, using boats, aircraft, and land patrols to search the coastline for survivors.
Smuggling Suspected in the Tragic Incident
Although it is unclear where the boat came from, officials believe the incident may be linked to maritime smuggling, a growing problem along the California coastline.
San Diego County, in particular, has become a hotspot for illegal smuggling activity by sea, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Border Patrol officials have reported a sharp rise in apprehensions, and such incidents are becoming increasingly dangerous and deadly.
Past Incidents Highlight the Risk
Unfortunately, this is not the first time a maritime smuggling attempt has ended in disaster:
- In 2022, eight people died after two smuggling boats capsized near La Jolla.
- In 2021, a panga boat hit the cliffs at Point Loma, killing three people.
These cases highlight the high risk and tragic consequences of such journeys, often involving migrants desperate to reach U.S. shores.