Panga boat capsizes off IB in suspected human smuggling; at least 4 dead

The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies continue to search for more possible victims after a panga boat flipped over in rough surf south of the Imperial Beach Pier early Saturday morning.

According to a press release, four people were pronounced deceased, four others were taken to a nearby hospital, and one person was transferred to a Department of Homeland Security agency.

According to Imperial Beach Fire Chief, John French, the boat included passengers who are believed to have been transported from Mexico by human smugglers. Several claimed Mexican nationality while others remain unidentified, per the press release.

“Patrol agents had watched the boat cross the border then got the report it turned over throwing people into the water,” Imperial Beach Fire Chief John French said. Four people died in the accident struggling in the cold ocean and turbulent waves. Three of the bodies were recovered near the pier.

The other body was discovered floating just feet away from homes on Seacoast Drive and Encanto Avenue.

“My heart goes out to those folks,” said Ed Winchester who has an oceanfront house he’s shared with his wife for almost twenty years. “The (Mexican drug) cartels have made a lot of money transporting people across the border. This is just another example of that,” Winchester said.  

At least five people were rescued from the water and taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The investigation continues into what happened.

The Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station is responsible for the six linear miles of land border from the Pacific Ocean to the San Ysidro Port of Entry.