11 Missing After Coast Guard Rescues 16, Brings Survivors To San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Sunday evening for 11 people missing off the coast of Mexico after rescuing 16 others who were taken to San Diego hospitals, officials announced Monday.

The search began around 1 a.m. Friday after Coast Guard Sector San Diego received multiple distress calls reporting a vessel taking on water with 27 people aboard about 140 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico.

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Rescue crews located debris in the water, and a Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Ventura rescued 16 people. They were transported to hospitals in San Diego for medical evaluation and treatment.

The Coast Guard, working with the U.S. Navy and Mexican authorities, searched more than 2,441 square miles over a combined 89 hours before suspending operations Sunday evening.

"We are grateful for the exceptional coordination and assistance from Mexico and the U.S. Navy throughout this challenging operation," said Capt. Joseph Meuse, chief of staff of the Coast Guard Southwest District. "Suspending a search is never easy, and this was an exceptionally dynamic case, far offshore, in rough weather."

Meuse also blamed human traffickers for putting migrants and rescue crews at risk.

The incident remains under federal investigation.