Tragedy Strikes Off Imperial Beach
At least four people have died and five injured after a small panga boat capsized just off San Diego’s Imperial Beach in the early hours of Saturday.
The US Coast Guard and San Diego County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the scene around 12:30am. One occupant was spotted floating unresponsive in the water, while three more bodies were found near the Imperial Beach Pier.
Five survivors were treated for minor injuries in hospital, reports Fox 5 San Diego and The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Seen Crossing US-Mexico Border
The boat was spotted crossing the US-Mexico border by US Border Patrol, confirmed John French of the Imperial Fire Department to Sideo TV.
The identities of the victims remain under wraps as authorities continue investigations.
Eyewitness Account From the Pier
Local fisherman Angel Flores, who was on the pier during the rescue efforts, described the chilling scene. “We were just chilling with friends, fishing for a couple of hours when we noticed a helicopter circling above,” he told Sideo TV.
Flores’ brother was the first to spot one of the victims floating lifeless in the water. They immediately called 911.
Ongoing Search and Investigation
The capsized boat later washed ashore, with police using flashlights during the search and a helicopter scanning the area.
No further details have been released by law enforcement.
