A tragic boat accident off the coast of San Diego, California, has left three dead, four injured, and seven missing, including two children from an Indian family. The incident occurred early Monday morning near Torrey Pines State Beach when a small boat capsized, sparking a massive search and rescue operation.
Among the survivors, four people, including the parents of the missing children, are receiving medical treatment for respiratory issues at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. The identities of the survivors have not been officially disclosed, but it is understood that three are women in their 30s, and one is a teenager. The parents’ condition remains critical but stable, according to hospital officials.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has expressed condolences and confirmed that they are offering assistance to the affected Indian family. In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate shared their sadness over the event, noting, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy.”
The boat, a “panga,” which is commonly used for smuggling, overturned around 6:30 AM. The vessel was reportedly carrying more than a dozen people when the disaster struck, with many believed to be migrants. The boat had 18 life vests on board, but it remains unclear where the vessel originated from. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Chris Sappey stated, “They were not tourists. They are believed to be migrants.”
At least three males were confirmed dead, and their bodies were recovered from the scene. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with local emergency response teams, has been conducting extensive searches using helicopters and rescue boats. While two individuals were initially reported missing, they were later found, reducing the number of missing persons to seven.
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to search for the remaining individuals, with the assistance of California State Parks, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, and the U.S. Border Patrol. Emergency responders have also found running shoes, life vests, and an empty waterproof phone bag on the shore, indicating the perilous nature of the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the capsizing. As the rescue operation continues, the focus remains on locating the missing individuals and providing support to the survivors and their families.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by migrants attempting to cross into the U.S. through perilous means.
Sources By Agencies
