Boat Capsizes Off San Diego Coast
On Monday morning, a small boat overturned near San Diego, California, leading to the tragic loss of three lives, injuring four others, and leaving seven missing. Among those missing are four Indians, including two children. Their parents are currently receiving treatment at La Jolla’s Scripps Memorial Hospital, as confirmed by the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco.
The consulate expressed its sorrow about the incident via a social media post and assured that they are providing support to the affected families. “We are very sad to learn this morning about the tragic incident of capsizing near Torrey Pines Beach,” they shared, indicating ongoing collaboration with local authorities.
Initially, reports indicated nine individuals were missing; however, two were later located, reducing the total count to seven, according to U.S. Coast Guard officer Hunter Schnabel.
All deceased were male, and the hospital reported that the injured survivors, which include three women and one man, are being treated for respiratory issues. Survivors are aged between their teenage years and their 30s.
Chris Sappy, a U.S. Coast Guard officer, spoke to reporters, noting that he did not know the boat’s origin prior to its capsizing. He described it as a panga, a type of open fishing boat that is sometimes used for smuggling operations. “They weren’t tourists,” Sappy mentioned, suggesting they were believed to be immigrants.
When the boat capsized around 6:30 a.m., there were reportedly over twelve people on it. Eighteen life vests were found on the coast. A nearby hiker alerted authorities, describing efforts to perform CPR on the beach.
Additionally, various items were recovered from the scene, including dozens of life vests, waterproof phone bags, running shoes, and multiple water bottles. The boat’s engine also showed visible damage.
A 45-foot rescue vessel and helicopter are currently being utilized to locate the missing individuals. An investigation is underway, with multiple agencies, including California State Parks, Del Mar Lifeguards, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Border Patrol, involved in the response effort.
The U.S. Coast Guard has requested anyone with information regarding the identities of the seven missing persons to contact their office directly.
