Three dead, several injured as smuggling vessel overturns near San Diego; Indian family among victims
A tragic boat capsizing incident off the coast of San Diego has left three people dead, four injured, and seven still missing — including two Indian children. The accident occurred early Monday morning near Torrey Pines State Beach, approximately 35 miles north of the US-Mexico border, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Indian parents injured, children missing as US Coast Guard intensifies search operations
The vessel, identified as a panga — a type of fishing boat frequently used in migrant smuggling operations — overturned in rough ocean waters shortly after sunrise. Among the victims is an Indian family: while the parents have been hospitalized with respiratory issues at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, their two children remain unaccounted for.
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The US Coast Guard launched immediate search and rescue operations, deploying both helicopter and boat teams to scour the area
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Winds were reportedly mild, but waves reached up to six feet, creating treacherous conditions for the small vessel
Eyewitnesses hiking along the beach spotted the capsizing around 6:30 am and rushed to assist. A doctor on the scene administered CPR to some of the victims. Four survivors — three adults in their 30s and a teenager — were taken to hospital for treatment, though their conditions remain undisclosed.
Consulate General of India offers support as case highlights dangers of migrant smuggling routes
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy and confirmed that it is in touch with local authorities to assist the affected Indian family.
US officials suspect the boat was part of a smuggling operation, a common tactic used to evade land border patrols. These maritime routes, while increasingly used, pose serious risks due to unpredictable sea conditions and overloaded vessels.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern. In 2023, eight people died in a similar smuggling tragedy off San Diego’s coast, one of the deadliest such accidents in recent history. According to the United Nations, nearly 9,000 migrants worldwide died while attempting to cross borders last year, marking a record high.
The search for the remaining missing passengers continues as authorities work to determine the full circumstances behind the latest maritime disaster.
