Authorities have decided to halt the search for seven missing individuals, including two children, following the overturning of a panga-style boat near San Diego on May 5, which resulted in the discovery of three deceased individuals.
The U.S. Coast Guard has stated that the search will only resume if new information is received. Factors influencing the decision to suspend the search include the time elapsed since the incident, the potential survivability in the water, and the exhaustion of search crews and resources used in the operation, according to Coast Guard spokesperson Hunter Schnabel as reported by USA TODAY on May 6.
The incident was reported to the U.S. Coast Guard at around 6:30 a.m. on May 5. Four individuals were rescued and transported to nearby hospitals, with two survivors detained by the Coast Guard Pacific Southwest.
The two detained individuals are believed to be involved in smuggling activities, as per authorities. It is estimated that approximately 16 individuals were on board the small, open boat.
The Coast Guard announced late on May 5 that they had ceased search operations for the missing individuals "pending further developments." The search involved the use of helicopters and rescue boats.
Schnabel mentioned that there is uncertainty regarding the fate of the seven missing individuals, stating that they may not all be in the water or deceased.
Key findings from the ongoing investigation include:
The boat washed ashore near Torrey Pines State Beach, about 30 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Hikers witnessed the boat capsizing and individuals sustaining injuries, according to Lieutenant Nick Backouris of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department as reported by the Associated Press.
Visuals of the boat after it was brought onto the beach revealed chipped blue paint, wooden planks serving as seats, life preservers, and shoes inside.
The water conditions at the time were described as choppy by Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Levi Read.
Although the identities of the boat occupants have not been disclosed, it is believed that 16 individuals were on board when the boat capsized. Three were found deceased, four were hospitalized, two were detained, and seven remain missing. Among the missing are two children, as confirmed by officials. One of the injured individuals was reported to be in critical condition by the city of Encinitas.
Initially, the Coast Guard received information from a survivor indicating that there were 18 individuals on board. However, this number was adjusted following additional details provided by the injured survivors.
Authorities suspect that some of the boat's passengers may be from India, based on Indian passports discovered on the beach, Read stated.
Special Agent Shawn Gibson from the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations agency emphasized the dangers associated with maritime smuggling, labeling the incident as a stark reminder.
The question of whether the hospitalized individuals are migrants or if the missing individuals are believed to be migrants remains unconfirmed by Schnabel.
A panga boat is a versatile outboard-powered vessel, typically ranging from 18 to 30 feet in length, suitable for fishing, leisure rides, or cargo transportation, according to Panga Sports.
These boats are commonly used for human smuggling, transporting migrants into the U.S. from Latin America, as stated by authorities. Additionally, they have been utilized for smuggling marijuana into the country, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Since October, the Coast Guard has monitored 277 vessels, including pangas, entering U.S. waters near San Diego, resulting in the apprehension of 983 individuals, Read reported.
Contributions by Terry Collins, USA TODAY, and Reuters.