Del Mar: Illegal Immigrants Rescued After Panga Boat Capsizes

02.28.2020 | 4:34 AM | DEL MAR – A number of illegal immigrants had to be rescued from the ocean after a panga boat they were traveling in capsized, early Friday morning.

Authorities began responding to reports of immigrants covered in water showing up at the front door of homes near the intersection of 6th Street and Stratford Court around 4:34 AM.

Units arriving on scene learned that a group of 16-20 illegal immigrants were traveling on a panga boat when it capsized off the coast.

An intensive search and rescue effort was initiated and at least 10 victims were rescued from the water. Firefighter paramedics treated all 10 on scene before transporting them to local hospitals.

The Coast Guard had received reports of flares being fired off the coast about two hours prior to the rescue but it was unclear if the flares were related.

Several law enforcement helicopters were continued to search the area for any remaining victims.

It was unclear how many immigrants were ultimately located.

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