A tragic incident unfolded early Monday at Torrey Pines State Beach in Southern California, as a panga boat overturned, resulting in what authorities are calling a “mass casualty incident.”
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office reported the vessel was spotted near the 12000 block of North Torrey Pines Road. Multiple agencies, including the San Diego Police Department, Del Mar Lifeguards, Border Patrol Agents, the United States Coast Guard, and local fire departments, responded to the scene.
According to FOX 5 San Diego, at least three people have died, and several others were hospitalized with various injuries. The Encinitas Fire Department’s Deputy Fire Chief, Jorge Sanchez, noted that approximately 18 people were on the beach, prompting a major medical response. Authorities are conducting searches with helicopters and lifeguards to locate any additional victims.
As reported by the Associated Press, the U.S. Coast Guard is actively searching for nine missing individuals. The 12-foot boat capsized in high surf, and its origin remains unknown. Pangas, typically used for fishing, are often employed by smugglers, raising concerns about a potential human smuggling operation. In 2023, a similar incident resulted in eight fatalities near San Diego.
The emergency response is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure all victims are accounted for.
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