IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (CNS) — Four people died and five others were injured early Saturday morning when a boat capsized off Imperial Beach in an attempt to smuggle migrants into the United States, authorities said.
"This morning at approximately 12 a.m., San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents responded to a maritime smuggling event south of the Imperial Beach Pier. During the smuggling event the vessel was seen capsizing in the surf," Border Patrol Agent Gerardo U. Gutierrez said in a statement provided to City News Service.
"Multiple agencies responded to assist in search and rescue efforts. A total of nine people were recovered from the scene. Five were rescued and taken to local area hospitals for treatment and four were confirmed deceased," Gutierrez said. "This event remains under investigation.''
The accident occurred near South Seacoast Drive and Encanto Avenue, Imperial Beach Fire Chief John French said in an interview with Sideo TV.
One body was recovered near where the boat capsized, while three more bodies were found near the Imperial Beach Pier, French said.
"The Coast Guard and partner agencies continue to search for additional suspected aliens after a vessel capsized off the coast of Imperial Beach, Friday night," the U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement. "Four individuals were pronounced deceased, four individuals were taken to a nearby hospital, and one individual was transferred to a Department of Homeland Security agency."
"Sector San Diego received a report of six aliens on the beach. One alien was pronounced deceased by EMS, and another alien was found under the capsized vessel and then rescued," the statement continued.
"At 1:45 a.m., Sector San Diego watchstanders received a report from a good Samaritan of a person in the water near Imperial Beach Pier. The Coast Guard Station San Diego boat crew diverted and located three people in the water, who were then transferred to Ballast Point. The local EMS pronounced all three suspected aliens deceased."
"Four of the suspected aliens were transported to a hospital by emergency medical services, and one individual was taken into custody by Imperial Beach Border Patrol. Several of the suspected aliens claimed Mexican nationality; others remain unidentified."
Capt. Robert Tucker, the Coast Guard's Sector San Diego commander, said: "Our crews and partner agencies responded immediately, but this case demonstrates the severe risks posed to aliens attempting to enter the United States by sea in unstable vessels."
A Station San Diego boat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Ventura crew continue to search for any additional people in the water.
The Coast Guard launched rescue crews from Sector San Diego, Air Station San Diego, Maritime Safety and Security Team Honolulu and Cutter Petrel.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office, Chula Vista Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Navy and the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office also responded to the scene.
Surf was heavy at the time of the accident as the region endured a substantial rainstorm this weekend.
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