TORREY PINES, CA – In a tragic incident early Monday morning, an overloaded panga boat capsized off the coast near Torrey Pines State Beach, resulting in multiple fatalities. Local authorities have confirmed that three individuals lost their lives, while four others are currently hospitalized as rescue efforts continue.
The scene at the Torrey Pines State Beach parking lot has transformed into a bustling command post. Sheriff’s deputies, alongside Encinitas Fire Department personnel, are coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard and Border Patrol to manage the unfolding situation. Officers on jet skis and helicopters from the Coast Guard are actively scouring the waters for any other potential victims.
The distress call came around 6 a.m., reporting a small, white vessel overturned just north of the beach. According to the Encinitas Fire Department, 18 people were aboard, including two children. The boat, typically designed to accommodate only five to six individuals, was dangerously overburdened.
Emergency services have confirmed the tragic death toll, with three passengers declared deceased. The injured have been transported to local hospitals for urgent care, as rescuers continue their search for any other survivors that may still be in the water.
This harrowing event is under investigation, with authorities working to piece together the circumstances that led to this disaster. The ongoing search and rescue operations are heavily focused on ensuring no one is left unaccounted for in the cold Pacific waters.
The incident underscores the perils associated with overloaded vessels on the open ocean, often used in attempts to circumvent immigration controls. Officials have yet to disclose further details regarding the passengers’ identities or their intended destination.
Local residents and beachgoers are advised to avoid the area as the search continues. The beach parking lot remains closed to the public to facilitate the ongoing emergency response efforts.
Updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid in the investigation.