Tragedy struck off the coast of San Diego on Sunday night when two fishing boats capsized, leaving at least eight people dead and seven missing. The authorities were alerted to the incident shortly after 11:30 p.m. When a Spanish-speaking woman called 911, she called 911. San Diego Lifeguards, the Coast Guard, San Diego Fire Rescue and Customs and Border Protection Officers were all dispatched to the area.
The boats, believed to carry up to 18 people, left behind a debris field of life jackets and fuel barrels spread across Black's Beach. Two Panga boats were also recovered. This is believed to be one of the most devastating maritime events in San Diego's history, as reported by the San Diego Sector of the Coast Guard. The search for remaining missing people continues.
This incident is suspected to have been part of a human smuggling operation. According to Captain James Spitler of the San Diego Sector of the Coast Guard, at least 23 people have lost their lives at sea since 2021. He added that smugglers take advantage of the area's high cliffs and rocky coves as loading points, particularly when it is foggy.
U.S. : U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol spokesperson Jason Givens warned Sunday against the dangers of illegally crossing the border illegally by sea, saying that human smugglers prioritize their own profit over the welfare of their passengers. This incident follows a deadly shipwreck in May 2021 when a 40-foot trawler-style boat carrying 32 people into the United States capsized off the coast of San Diego.
The Biden administration has imposed restrictions on illegal crossings in recent months, leading to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings. However, stricter enforcement on land along the U.S. border with Mexico has prompted an increasing number of people to attempt to reach California by sea.
This devastating accident serves as reminder of the dangers of illegal border crossings and the importance of following the legal immigration procedures. As the search continues for the remaining missing people, authorities urge people to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks.