Jul 10, 2021 / 10:16 AM CDT
ENCINITAS, Calif. (Border Report) Eight people were rushed to the hospital early this morning when their panga boat capsized in the surf line, about 40 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the accident was the result of a maritime smuggling attempt at Moonlight Beach in the community of Encinitas.
U.S. Border Patrol agents said they first spotted the small boat at 5 a.m. as it was heading toward the shoreline.
Encinitas Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim Mickelson. (Aaron Audaley/KSWB)
Encinitas Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim Mickelson said eight people from the boat were found in the area all were suffering from hypothermia after their time in the water.