Sun Nov 16 02:56:12 UTC 2025: News Article:

Migrant Boat Capsizes off California Coast, Leaving Four Dead

Imperial Beach, CA – November 16, 2025 – A wooden skiff carrying migrants capsized in stormy seas off the coast of Imperial Beach near San Diego on Friday night, leaving at least four people dead and four hospitalized, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The U.S. Border Patrol discovered the overturned vessel in the surf late Friday. Six people were found on the beach, one of whom was pronounced dead. Another survivor was discovered trapped under the boat and subsequently rescued. Hours later, three more bodies were recovered from the ocean near Imperial Beach Pier.

The Coast Guard is continuing its search for any other potential passengers. Several survivors identified themselves as Mexican nationals, while the identities of others remain unknown. One survivor was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security.

“This case demonstrates the severe risks posed to migrants attempting to enter the United States by sea in unstable vessels,” stated Coast Guard Capt. Robert Tucker, Sector San Diego commander.

The incident occurred amidst a strong storm system that brought flash flooding and mudslide warnings to Southern California. The vessel was identified as a “panga,” a type of open fishing boat often used by smugglers to transport migrants.

Migrants are increasingly resorting to maritime routes to avoid heavily guarded land borders, despite the dangers involved. This incident is the latest in a string of similar tragedies. In May 2025, at least three people died when a panga capsized off the coast north of the U.S.-Mexico border. In 2023, eight people were killed when two migrant boats approached a San Diego beach in heavy fog, and one capsized.

According to the U.N. agency for migration, nearly 9,000 people died worldwide last year attempting to cross borders, marking a record high for the fifth consecutive year. The U.N.’s Missing Migrant Project estimates that over 24,506 people have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean between 2014 and 2024, many lost at sea.

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