Three people died and another nine are missing after the shipwreck of a vessel that allegedly transported immigrants in the waters of San Diego County, California, U.S. authorities reported on Monday.
The incident occurred in the morning near the coast of Del Mar, north of Torrey Pines State Beach, on the border between California and Mexico, reported the agency EFE.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported that it received an emergency call around 6:30 a.m. (local time), alerting that a panga-type boat had capsized with approximately 18 people on board.
Hunter Schnabel, spokesperson for the Coast Guard, confirmed to the press that three occupants of the vessel died and that another four were rescued alive. The survivors received immediate medical attention after being pulled from the water.
Until now, the active search for the other nine missing persons is ongoing. Authorities have not provided details regarding the nationality of the passengers, although the use of such vessels is common in attempts to enter the United States irregularly from Mexico.
The rescue operations continue with support from maritime and aerial units. The Coast Guard has not provided additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shipwreck or the possible involvement of human trafficking networks.
This tragic incident once again highlights the extreme risks faced by hundreds of migrants attempting to reach U.S. territory by maritime routes, exposing themselves to unsafe conditions and the possibility of losing their lives in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shipwreck of Migrant Vessels and the Cuban Migration Crisis
What happened in the migrant boat shipwreck in San Diego?
Three people have died and nine others are missing following the sinking of a vessel that allegedly carried immigrants in the waters off San Diego County, California. The U.S. Coast Guard received an emergency call alerting them to a panga-type boat that had capsized near the coast of Del Mar. Four people were rescued alive, and the search for the missing continues.
What are the risks of irregular maritime migration to the United States?
Migrants attempting to reach the United States by sea face serious risks such as dehydration, exhaustion, shipwrecks, and death. The vessels are often makeshift, and sea conditions can be extremely dangerous. These irregular migration attempts expose individuals to high-risk situations in their quest for better opportunities.
What measures is the U.S. Coast Guard taking to address illegal immigration?
The U.S. Coast Guard conducts interception and rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies to address illegal maritime migration. These actions aim to deter dangerous sea crossings, and in many cases, intercepted migrants are repatriated or transferred to third countries such as the Bahamas.
Why do Cubans continue to risk their lives at sea?
Many Cubans seek to escape from the poverty, violence, and repression in Cuba, motivated by the lack of opportunities and the economic crisis on the island. Despite the risks, they view these journeys as their only hope for a better future and are willing to undertake dangerous maritime trips in search of asylum in the United States.
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