At least 8 dead after suspected smuggling boats crash near San Diego

Bad weather hampered initial search efforts overnight.

By Madeleine Hubbard
Updated: March 12, 2023 - 11:42am

At least eight people are dead after two suspected migrant smuggling boats crashed near San Diego's Black's Beach, officials said Sunday.

Rescue efforts are underway after at least one of the boats capsized on Saturday, The Los Angeles Times reported. Eight bodies have been recovered so far, but weather hampered initial overnight search efforts.

"We couldn’t get any helicopters up. We had boats in the water, but at first light, once all the conditions clear, we will have Coast Guard out here and San Diego Fire-Rescue and lifeguards doing a joint search through the water for any possible victims that are left," San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Deputy Chief of Operations Daniel Eddy said.

Police officer Sarah Foster said a woman called 911 shortly after 11:30 p.m. Saturday to report that a boat she had traveled from Mexico on had overturned. The woman told officials that nine or 10 people may be in the water from the capsized vessel.

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