The Coast Guard says they have suspended the search for more victims of what the Border Patrol says was a human smuggling attempt Monday morning off the coast of San Diego.
Three people were found dead, four were taken to the hospital and seven others were still missing as of Tuesday morning after a panga boat capsized in the waters off Torrey Pines State Beach Monday morning, according to authorities.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said several agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol and San Diego police responded to the area just after 6:30 a.m. Monday.
“This tragic maritime incident off the coast of San Diego is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by maritime smuggling. The ruthless smuggling of undocumented individuals is not only illegal, it’s deadly,” Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations said in a statement. "This loss of life underscores why such criminal activity will never be tolerated. HSI San Diego will diligently pursue every lead to ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested, and held fully accountable.”
(Photo reporting partner 10News)