Indian Couple Injured, Kids Missing After Boat Capsizes In US
At least three people were killed and nine remain missing after a boat capsized near Torrey Pines State Beach off San Diego’s coast in the United States. The missing include two Indian children as well, the consulate general of India in San Francisco said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The incident took place early Monday when a small panga-style boat capsized off the California coast. While the Indian couple affected by the incident is currently receiving treatment at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, their children remain missing.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco issued a statement on the social media platform X, confirming the involvement of the Indian family.
"We are very sad to know about the tragic incident of a boat capsizing near Torrey Pines State Beach, off the coast near San Diego, California, this morning. As per available information, three people died, nine went missing, and four were injured in the incident. An Indian family is also affected in this tragedy,” the consulate wrote.
“While two Indian children are missing, the parents are undergoing treatment at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. The Consulate is providing all necessary assistance to the affected Indian family in coordination with local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy," it added.
Probe Launched, Search And Rescue Ops Underway As 9 Missing
Around four people were reported to be injured in the incident. Officials are yet to confirm the reason for the capsizing, but a search and rescue operation is underway.
According to CNN, the boat overturned in the surf around 6:30 AM, around 15 miles from downtown San Diego. Hikers in the area saw the incident, with one of them, a doctor, calling emergency services after witnessing CPR being performed on the beach.
According to Lt. Nick Backouris of the San Diego Sheriff's Department, "A doctor hiking nearby called in and said, 'I see people doing CPR on the beach, I'm running that way."
The agencies involved in the incident include the San Diego Sheriff's Department, California State Parks, the US Coast Guard, the Del Mar Lifeguards, and the US Border Patrol. A 45-foot rescue boat and a helicopter have been deployed by the Coast Guard to assist with the ongoing search and recovery operation, which lasted till Monday afternoon, CNN reported.
Though the exact number of people onboard remains unknown, officials have found 17 life jackets at the site. The boat has been identified as a 12-foot panga, commonly used for fishing and sometimes by smugglers.
According to a report by Associated Press, US Coast Guard Petty Officer Chris Sappey said it was unclear where the boat was coming from before it flipped shortly after sunrise about 56 kilometres north of the Mexico border. “They were not tourists,” Sappey said. “ They are believed to be migrants.” He later clarified to CNN that while similar vessels in past incidents were linked to migrant smuggling, "the immigration status of the passengers is not confirmed at all yet."
Encinitas Deputy Fire Chief Jorge Sanchez said the incident has a "potential to be a mass casualty event," which depends on the fate of the nine who remain missing.
California State Parks confirmed that the incident is under active investigation, with focus on rescue efforts and establishing the identities and backgrounds of the passengers.
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