New Delhi: A small boat carrying migrants, including an Indian family, capsized off the coast of San Diego, California in the US on Monday morning (local time) and left at least three people dead. Seven of the occupants are still missing. An Indian family of four was also on the boat.
While the parents have been rescued, their two children remains missing. The parents are currently receiving medical treatment at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.
Consulate General confirms about Indian family’s involvement
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed the family’s involvement in the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “An Indian family is also affected in this tragedy. While two Indian children are missing, the parents are undergoing treatment at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. The Consulate is providing all necessary assistance to the affected Indian family in coordination with local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy,” the Consulate stated in a post on social media platform X.
The vessel, identified as a panga—a type of open fishing boat commonly used by smugglers—capsized amid hazardous conditions, with waves reaching six feet. According to reports, pangas are frequently used to transport migrants by sea in efforts to bypass heavily guarded land borders.
Injured being treated for respiratory issues
The US Coast Guard launched an immediate rescue operation, deploying both a helicopter and a boat to search for the missing. While nine people were initially reported missing, two were later found and detained by authorities. The US Border Patrol has yet to issue a statement.
The four injured, including the Indian parents, are being treated for respiratory issues. Their current conditions have not been made public. Witnesses at Torrey Pines State Beach reported seeing the boat overturn at around 6.30am local time. A doctor hiking nearby administered CPR to several victims until emergency responders arrived.
The tragedy echoes a series of deadly maritime smuggling incidents along the US West Coast. In 2023, eight migrants died when two boats capsized near San Diego, in one of the deadliest such events in recent memory.
