Coast Guard ends search for survivors of capsized smuggling boat
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The U.S. Coast Guard said the smuggling boat capsized Sunday morning on rocks off the coast of Point, Loma, San Diego. Photo courtesy of San Diego Fire and Rescue/Twitter
The boat was transporting more than 30 people, most of whom were not legally allowed to enter the United States. Photo courtesy of San Diego Fire and Rescue/Twitter
At least three people were pronounced dead as a result of the boat capsizing and many more were injured. Photo courtesy of San Diego Fire and Rescue/Twitter
At least five people remained in hospital Monday, including one person who was in critical condition, officials said. Photo courtesy of San Diego Fire and Rescue/Twitter
San Diego captain of suspected smuggling vessel in custody after boat overturned, killing 4 Here s what we know kesq.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from kesq.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A suspected smuggling operation that resulted in at least three deaths off the San Diego coast Sunday came after the Border Patrol, Coast Guard and other agencies warned that an alarming increase in maritime smuggling could have deadly consequences.
The agencies announced Friday that they were dedicating extra resources to coastal land, sea and air – helicopters and planes – patrols through Monday. Those resources were tapped Sunday when an overloaded cabin cruiser broke apart in rough seas, prompting a harrowing rescue operation near the Cabrillo National Monument.
Rescuers found a large debris field of splintered wood and personal effects. Seven people were plucked from the turbulent waters; three did not survive. One person was rescued from a cliff and 22 made it to shore on their own. Twenty-seven people were taken to hospitals with hypothermia or other injuries.