• Three individuals have died, and nine are missing after a boat capsized off San Diego.
• Rescue operations are underway involving the U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies.
• The boat was a panga, commonly used for migrant smuggling.
• Some survivors are reportedly in critical condition.
• Authorities are investigating possible smuggling connections.

Three people are confirmed dead, and nine others are missing after a small panga-style fishing boat capsized near Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego, according to latimes and Reuters. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the boat overturned early Monday morning, with at least 18 people believed to be on board, including children, and emergency teams are currently conducting search operations for the missing.

Officials stated that four individuals were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, with one reported in critical condition, as reported by CBS News and Newsweek. Two people found on the beach have been detained on suspicion of being smugglers, although their identities and immigration status were not immediately clear.

The boat had reportedly set out in challenging sea conditions, with waves reaching approximately 7 feet, a factor contributing to the capsizing. U.S. Coast Guard officials indicated that many of the passengers were likely migrants, highlighting ongoing maritime smuggling attempts off the U.S. West Coast, as detailed in SCMP and Dawn.

As of now, the search continues with multiple agencies involved, including personnel from the U.S. Border Patrol and local fire department. Notably, evidence such as Indian passports was found near the capsized vessel, indicating some passengers might have been from India, according to Indiatimes and BBC.