At least eight dead after boats overturned off San Diego in suspected people smuggling operation

At least eight people have died after two boats capsized off San Diego, Calif., officials said on Sunday March 13, in what they believe was a human smuggling operation. San Diego Fire Rescue Chief James Gartland told reporters that a 911 call was made at midnight on Saturday by a Spanish speaker, who reported that there were people in two ships that had crashed. spilled near Torrey Pines City Beach. Crews found two capsized boats when they arrived at the scene and recovered eight bodies, Gartland said. He said the nationalities of the victims were not known but he confirmed that all the victims were adults. Gartland said the 911 caller said one boat contained about eight people and the other about 15 people, but authorities have not confirmed those numbers. Gartland said it is not known how many people survived. Gartland said, “This is one of the worst contraband tragedies I can think of in California, certainly here in the city of San Diego.” Credit: San Diego Fire Department via Storyful