A boat off the coast of San Diego overturned Sunday morning, killing two people and hospitalizing 23 others on board in what authorities believe was a smuggling operation.
The incident happened around 10:15 a.m. off Point Loma near Cabrillo National Monument, which tweeted that the tidepools are temporarily closed.
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department said it rescued 25 people from the water and that two did not survive. Federal agencies were searching the water in vessels and aircraft.
The group had reportedly been riding in a low-slung panga, a boat often used to smuggle people into the United States.
Nearly 100 first responders were responding to the scene, with eight fire engines, 10 medics, and various other officials.
City Councilmember Jen Campbell, who represents the district, said her office was monitoring the incident and that her “thoughts are with those impacted.”
Boats and aircraft were still searching around midday for other possible survivors in the water near the Cabrillo National Monument, SDFD said.
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It was not immediately clear what caused the boat to overturn. SDFD said the situation is ongoing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.