Overview
- At least four people died and four others were hospitalized after a panga overturned near Imperial Beach late Friday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Coast Guard crews are searching by air and sea for additional passengers, and the incident remains under investigation.
- Several survivors reported being Mexican, but officials have not confirmed the identities or nationalities of the deceased or injured.
- Responders found six people on the beach around midnight, then located three more bodies in the water near Imperial Beach Pier about two hours later.
- One person was detained and handed over to the Department of Homeland Security as authorities highlight the severe dangers of maritime smuggling in rough seas.