At Least 8 Dead After Suspected Smuggling Boats Capsize Near San Diego

At least eight suspected immigrants died late Saturday night after two panga boats reportedly capsized near Black’s Beach in San Diego, California, local authorities said.

San Diego Fire Department lifeguards told NBC that a woman called 911 just before midnight on Saturday, saying a panga boat with eight to 10 people on board had capsized. The small fishing boats are often used for smuggling operations. 

San Diego Police Officer Sarah Foster told The Los Angeles Times the woman who called traveled on the other boat, but when emergency crews arrived, they discovered that both vessels had capsized and found no survivors. Officials estimated 23 people were on the two boats and said the remaining passengers could have escaped.

Due to the high tide and

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