SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 16 people after a vessel sank about 140 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico early Friday morning, and authorities were continuing to search for other survivors later in the day, according to military officials.
Watchstanders at Sector San Diego received a mayday call around 1 a.m. and launched a multi-agency search. Crews from Air Station Ventura, Air Station Sacramento and the Coast Guard Cutter Active responded, with the USS Kingsville and a Navy helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 assisting. Search teams reported finding debris from the vessel.
Officials said the 16 rescued were taken to Sector San Diego, then to local hospitals for evaluation. Two of those rescued were identified as Mexican nationals.
"This case highlights the extreme dangers of taking to the sea," Capt. Robert Tucker, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Diego, noting the route is commonly used in illegal maritime smuggling operations said in press release.
The search remained active Friday afternoon as conditions allowed. The Coast Guard said it would release more information as it becomes available.
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