“After careful consideration using the information from our on-scene crews, partner agency input and the magnitude of the response efforts, the Coast Guard suspended our search on Monday morning,” said Captain Timothy Barelli, the Sector San Diego commander. “Yesterday, we were once again reminded how dangerous these ocean smuggling attempts can be and we will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to prevent, detect and respond to cases like this to keep the waters of San Diego safe and secure.”
At 10 a.m. Sunday, TowBoat U.S. reached out to Coast Guard Sector San Diego command center about an overturned vessel on the rocks. Crew members of cutter Haddock took over for cutter Blackfin and stayed through the night looking for survivors while first-responders teamed to verify the number of people aboard.
Of the 32 people verified, 29 are alive. Five of them were hospitalized, including one in critical condition, according to the USCG. Three people died.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the incident.
