By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The Coast Guard has suspended its search Saturday evening for any additional suspected undocumented migrants after a vessel capsized Friday night near Imperial Beach.
The decision to suspend the search was made following 17 hours, 12 square nautical miles, and 133 nautical miles of continuous search operations.
“The Coast Guard extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones affected by this tragic incident,” said Capt. Robert Tucker, Coast Guard Sector San Diego commander. “This tragedy underscores the extreme dangers of attempting to cross the maritime border in unsafe, overloaded vessels and during dangerous weather conditions. We remain dedicated to protecting lives at sea and safeguarding our nation’s maritime borders.”
Four individuals were pronounced deceased, four individuals were taken to a nearby hospital, and one individual was transferred to a Department of Homeland Security agency.
The Coast Guard launched rescue crews from Sector San Diego, Air Station San Diego, Maritime Safety and Security Team Honolulu, and the Cutter Petrel. Lifeguards from Imperial Beach and San Diego, San Diego and Chula Vista Fire Departments, Imperial Beach Border Patrol, and San Diego Sheriff’s Office also responded.
The case was referred to the Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Marine Task Force for further investigation. Criminal charges will be presented to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California for prosecution.
