Man Killed During Smuggling Attempt Along La Jolla Coast

LA JOLLA, CA -- One person was found dead, apparently drowned as up to seven people tried to enter the United States through the rough surf off La Jolla overnight, firefighters said Sunday. Lifeguards were called to the rocks just north of Tourmaline Beach at about 11 p.m. Saturday on a report of a person yelling from the water, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokeswoman Monica Munoz told City News Service in an e-mail.

A rescue boat crew found a man swimming, and hauled him up, Munoz said. The man told lifeguards there were five others in the water still.

The San Diego Police Department, Border Patrol and Coast Guard were notified, Munoz said.

Border Patrol Agent Tekae Michael told CNS that lifeguards requested assistance after spotting a boat with seven people off the coast, and agents arrived at Sea Ridge Drive in La Jolla at about midnight.

The man found by lifeguards was treated for hypothermia, taken ashore and then to a hospital and handed over to the Border Patrol, Michael said.

Agents determined the man to be a 32-year-old Mexican national, she said.

On the shore, a man with no pulse was found just before 1 a.m., Michael said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lifeguards determined the others has swum ashore and disappeared into the night, and one boogie board was found abandoned, Munoz said.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Joel Guzman said the cutter Petrel searched the area for any debris or related items, but was unable to find anything. The smuggling boat was believed to have returned to Mexican waters.
Guzman said the Petrel, a small boat and a helicopter were continuing to search the area Sunday.

--City News Service/Photo via Pixabay