San Diego, CA—Federal prosecutors have filed charges against five individuals in connection with a deadly human smuggling incident. The event involved a panga-style boat that capsized near San Diego, resulting in the deaths of at least three people.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California announced the charges on May 6,stating that the five individuals are accused of participating in a human smuggling event that led to the deaths of three migrants,including a 14-year-old boy from India. Tragically, the boy’s 10-year-old sister remains missing at sea and is presumed dead, according to prosecutors.

The Victims and Rescue Efforts

The children’s parents were among the four people rescued and transported to nearby hospitals on May 5. The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of an overturned vessel on a beach at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time.According to prosecutors, the children’s father is currently in a coma, while their mother remains hospitalized.

Two other individuals found on the beach were detained by authorities. Prosecutors announced that these two have been charged with human smuggling resulting in death and human smuggling for financial gain. The first charge carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.

Arrests and Charges

• Border Patrol agents later arrested three additional individuals.
• These individuals are charged with unlawfully transporting migrants.
• All five people arrested and charged were identified as Mexican citizens.

The two individuals arrested at the beach were identified as Julio Cesar Zuniga Luna, 30, and Jesus Juan Rodriguez Leyva, 36, according to prosecutors.

U.S. Attorney Adam gordon emphasized the commitment to seeking justice for the victims and holding accountable those responsible,stating,We are committed to seeking justice for these vulnerable victims,and to holding accountable any traffickers responsible for their deaths.

Search and Investigation Details

• The Coast Guard suspended its search operations on May 6, pending further developments.
• Nine people were initially reported missing.
• Authorities later located eight of the nine migrants, except for the 10-year-old girl.

The boat washed ashore near Torrey Pines State Beach, approximately 30 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. hikers witnessed the boat capsize and reported injuries, according to lt. Nick Backouris of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, as reported by the Associated Press.

Photos of the boat revealed chipped blue paint and wooden planks for seats, along with life preservers and shoes inside.Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Levi Read noted that water conditions were choppy at the time.

Authorities believe the boat was carrying 16 people when it capsized. Bystanders and San diego lifeguards participated in rescue efforts, recovering three bodies, including the 14-year-old boy from India. Initially, a survivor reported 18 people on board, but this number was revised after gathering more information from injured passengers. Officials believe some occupants were from India, based on Indian passports found on the beach.

Homeland Security’s Outlook

Shawn Gibson,a special agent in charge of the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations agency, described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by maritime smuggling.

While Schnabel could not confirm whether the hospitalized individuals are migrants or whether the missing people are believed to be migrants, the investigation continues to unfold.

Follow-Up Arrests and Vehicle Identification

Following the initial arrests, Border Patrol agents conducted operations in Chula Vista, California, identifying a vehicle seen at the beach. Prosecutors stated that the driver of the vehicle fled the scene after the boat overturned.

Agents identified two other vehicles allegedly involved in the human smuggling incident and arrested the drivers of those load vehicles. Eight of the nine missing migrants were located during the investigation.

The drivers were identified as Melissa Jenelle Cota, 33, Gustavo Lara, 32, and Sergio Rojas-Fregosa, 31. Prosecutors added that Rojas-Fregosa had previously been deported from the U.S. in December 2023.

A panga boat is an open,versatile outboard-powered boat,typically 18 to 30 feet long. It can be used for fishing,small boat rides,or hauling cargo,according to Bank of Sports.

These boats are often used for human smuggling, carrying migrants into the United States from Latin america. They have also been used to smuggle marijuana, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Since October, the Coast Guard has tracked 277 vessels, including pangas, entering U.S. waters near San Diego, leading to 983 people apprehended, according to Chief Petty Officer Read.