Authorities are investigating what may have been a human smuggling attempt after an overturned panga was discovered off the shores of Ocean Beach. Two people died in the incident.
U.S. Border Patrol Agent Justin Castrejon said San Diego police reported the overturned vessel at about 4 a.m. on Sunday. The panga was discovered near Brighton Avenue, not too far from Dog Beach.
First responders found two men in the water, but officials didn't say what condition the men were in. Castrejon did confirm those two men died.
At the scene, authorities also found six life jackets and what appeared to be personal belongings of the people aboard the panga. There was no evidence that the vessel had drugs on it, according to Castrejon.
The search for other people that may have been involved in the suspected human smuggling incident was suspended.
Anyone who has information on the case is encouraged to contact the U.S. Coast Guard at (619) 278-7000.
