Imperial Beach, CA – A maritime tragedy unfolded early Saturday morning when a panga boat capsized off the coast of Imperial Beach, leading to the deaths of four individuals and injuring five others. This incident appears to be linked to an attempt at maritime smuggling of migrants into the United States, as confirmed by local authorities.
According to Border Patrol agent Gerardo U. Gutiérrez, the incident occurred around midnight when agents from the San Diego Sector responded to reports of suspected smuggling activities south of the Imperial Beach pier. The panga was seen overturning amid rough seas during the operation.
A total of nine individuals were recovered from the water: five survivors were transported to local hospitals, while four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
John French, the chief of the Imperial Beach Fire Department, stated that one of the deceased was found near the site of the capsized boat, while the other three bodies were located in the vicinity of the city’s pier.
A coordinated emergency response involved several agencies, including the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the Chula Vista Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Border Patrol, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the Medical Examiner’s Office. The accident occurred during a period of severe weather, with rough seas caused by an intense storm affecting the region over the weekend.
*With information from CNS.
Original source: Noticias San Diego
By Redacción Entravision
15 Nov, 2025
