SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard and partner agencies continue to search for additional suspected aliens after a vessel capsized off the coast of Imperial Beach, Friday night.
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.
At 11:40 p.m., Coast Guard Sector San Diego watchstanders received a notification from Imperial Beach Border Patrol of a capsized panga-style vessel in the surf near Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach.
At 11:45 p.m., Sector San Diego received a report of six aliens on the beach. One alien was pronounced deceased by EMS, and another alien was found under the capsized vessel and then rescued.
At 1:45 a.m., Sector San Diego watchstanders received a report from a good Samaritan of a person in the water near Imperial Beach Pier. The Coast Guard Station San Diego boatcrew diverted and located three people in the water, who were then transferred to Ballast Point. The local EMS pronounced all three suspected aliens deceased.
Four of the suspected aliens were transported to a hospital by emergency medical services, and one individual was taken into custody by Imperial Beach Border Patrol. Several of the suspected aliens claimed Mexican nationality; others remain unidentified.
“Our crews and partner agencies responded immediately, but this case demonstrates the severe risks posed to aliens attempting to enter the United States by sea in unstable vessels,” said Capt. Robert Tucker, Sector San Diego commander.
Station San Diego boatcrew and a Coast Guard Air Station Ventura aircrew continue to search for any additional people in the water.
The Coast Guard launched rescue crews from Sector San Diego, Air Station San Diego, Maritime Safety and Security Team Honolulu and 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. HSI has taken over the investigation; please contact them for any media inquiries.
The incident remains under investigation.
Photo link: DVIDS
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