On Sunday, tragedy struck off the coast of San Diego’s Black’s Beach, with the San Diego Police Department confirming that two boats had collided, leading to eight fatalities.
This accident prompted an extensive response from the city’s lifeguards, the Coast Guard, the San Diego Fire Department, and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Unfortunately, thick fog prevented helicopters and boats from taking off to search for possible victims, causing rescue and recovery efforts to be put on hold until the fog cleared.
The incident was reported to police at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday when a woman placed a 911 call and reported that a boat had capsized. She stated that nine or 10 people were in the water after the incident and that eight of the travelers riding on her craft had made it to shore.
Black’s Beach is one of the largest nude beaches in the US, and also an incredibly secluded destination, located below and to the north of the Torrey Pines gliderport. Tourists often come to the beach to unwind and relax in the sun, sand, and surf while in the buff. It is additionally known for its fast-rolling south end swells, making it a premier surfer location.
While the cause of the accident is still unknown, the accident that occurred off of Black’s Beach is a sobering reminder of the risks taken by those who emigrate to the US illegally, as well as the human cost of immigration.