Three people were killed and seven others, including two children, were missing after a small boat capsized in choppy waters off the coast of San Diego, California, on Monday.
The fatal disaster appeared to be an apparent migrant smuggling attempt, officials said. Four other people were rescued after the “panga”-style open fishing vessel washed ashore near Torrey Pines state beach were transported to hospital, according to US Coast Guard officials.
A search was ongoing for the seven people who remained unaccounted for, said a Coast Guard spokesperson, chief petty officer Levi Read. He said two children were believed to be among the missing. Of the four rescued from the panga capsizing, one was listed in critical condition when rescued, according to a statement from the city of Encinitas.