San Diego Boat Capizes; Smuggling Suspected

At least three people died and nine remain missing after a small panga-style boat capsized early Monday near Torrey Pines State Beach off San Diego, with the incident now being treated as a suspected human smuggling operation. The U.S. Coast Guard, local emergency services, and Border Patrol responded, and four survivors were hospitalized with injuries, including respiratory failure. Authorities believe the missing include at least one or two children, and estimate the boat carried between 16 and 18 people, though the exact number is unconfirmed. The boat overturned in high surf, and search efforts for the missing continue along the ocean and shoreline. This tragedy follows previous deadly smuggling incidents in the area, underlining persistent maritime human trafficking risks along the California coast. No detentions have been made, and the boat's origins and destination remain under investigation.