Search continues after boat capsizes off Baja California coast. 16 rescued, but others missing

Rescue efforts are ongoing following a capsized boat off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. Authorities are searching for 11 individuals who are believed to be missing. Sixteen Mexican nationals have been rescued thus far, including one person who required medical attention for shark bites.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy, along with the Mexican Navy, are coordinating the search operations using various aircraft and boats. An additional helicopter is set to join the search efforts later today. The boat capsized in a region known for smuggling activities, and the incident did not occur within U.S. waters.

Reports indicate that there were 27 people on board the boat at the time of the incident. Survivors stated that 16 people were successfully rescued. Petty Officer Charlie Valor of the Coast Guard mentioned that they launched their assets to assist in the rescue operation. The region is famous for fishing and leisure boats, but it has also witnessed fatal attempts to smuggle migrants from Mexico to the United States in the past.

The Mexican consulate in San Diego confirmed that all the rescued individuals were Mexican nationals. The Coast Guard stated that Customs and Border Protection is investigating the incident, interviewing survivors. If survivors are witnesses to a crime, they may be eligible for humanitarian parole, allowing them to remain in the country for a limited time.

Rescue operations continued on Saturday with the use of helicopters, a fixed-wing plane, a cutter, and a Navy combat ship. A mayday call was transmitted from someone on the boat around 1 a.m. on Friday. Coast Guard Lt. Santiago Tamburini mentioned that a rescue helicopter reached the site approximately two hours later. It took about 90 minutes for the crew, including a rescue swimmer, to pull the 16 people from the water.

One individual was treated for injuries consistent with shark bites, while three others were taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego for treatment, including the person with a suspected shark bite and two individuals affected by cold exposure. Three additional survivors were evaluated at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla and subsequently discharged.