Four dead in suspected migrant boat crash off the coast of San Diego.

Four individuals were found deceased following the capsizing of a small wooden vessel, presumably carrying migrants toward the United States, off the coast near San Diego, according to reports from the Coast Guard. The tragic incident unfolded late Friday evening, around 11:40 p.m. local time, in the vicinity of Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach.

Rescue efforts executed by Coast Guard members resulted in the salvation of five individuals from the wreckage. Subsequently, four of those rescued were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while one individual was handed over to the Department of Homeland Security for further processing. The initial response to the incident began when six individuals were discovered on the beach. Among them was one individual found trapped beneath the overturned boat. Tragically, another person was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly thereafter, a passerby alerted officials about an individual in the water near Imperial Beach Pier, located approximately three miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The Coast Guard, upon arriving at this location, discovered the bodies of three individuals floating in the ocean.

Coast Guard Capt. Robert Tucker emphasized the perilous nature of attempting to enter the United States by sea using unstable vessels, stating that the incident highlights the severe risks associated with such endeavors. Preliminary accounts from survivors suggest that multiple individuals involved in this incident identified as Mexican nationals, while others remained unidentified as authorities continued their search efforts for additional victims who may have been on board the ill-fated vessel.

The timing of this incident coincided with a significant weather event affecting Southern California over the weekend. A powerful storm brought heavy rainfall to the region, known for its typically dry climate, leading to warnings of flash floods and potential mudslides due to the turbulent sea conditions.

The Coast Guard and local agencies remain vigilant in their search operations as they monitor the situation and assess the implications of this tragic event on future maritime migration attempts. This incident underscores the ongoing peril faced by individuals attempting to seek refuge or better opportunities through hazardous maritime routes.