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Four Dead, Five Rescued After Small Boat Capsizes Off Imperial Beach

Officials have opened a multi-agency investigation into the cause.

Overview

  • Authorities said the small panga-style boat overturned shortly after midnight near South Seacoast Drive and Encanto Avenue in Imperial Beach.
  • One victim was recovered near the capsizing site and three others were found near the Imperial Beach Pier, according to Fire Chief John French.
  • Five survivors were pulled from the water and taken to a hospital with minor injuries and symptoms of hypothermia.
  • Responding agencies included the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Chula Vista Fire Department, the U.S. Navy, and the county medical examiner.
  • Investigators have not determined the cause of the incident or whether the voyage was connected to migrant smuggling, as heavy surf and a weekend rainstorm were reported in the area.