The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed that 11 people are still missing after a boat carrying 27 people off the coast of Baja California capsized. The agency confirmed reports that several survivors sustained injuries consistent with shark bites.
The Coast Guard's Southwest District stated that staff at Coast Guard Sector San Diego were alerted to a radio distress call at about 1 a.m. local time on October 16, 2026, reporting that a boat was taking on water about 140 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico.
The rescue operation led by the Coast Guard saved 16 people, who were subsequently shifted to a local hospital for medical evaluation. The Coast Guard noted that three of the survivors sustained wounds consistent with shark bites.
However, as of October 18, the agency has not provided further updates on the survivors' medical conditions. The Mexican consulate in San Diego confirmed to the Associated Press (APP) that all rescued individuals were Mexican nationals.
The Coast Guard stated that search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing with assistance from the U.S. Navy and Mexican Navy. Reports indicate that in recent years, migrant vessels have frequently capsized while attempting to reach the California coast.
In a May 2025 incident, a panga-style vessel carrying migrants capsized in heavy surf near Del Mar, north of San Diego, leaving four people dead. Additionally, in March 2023, eight people died after two suspected smuggling boats encountered heavy fog and rough seas near San Diego.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the search area remains challenging due to deep waters and unpredictable currents. International maritime agencies have expressed concern over the increasing frequency of these dangerous maritime crossings.
The families of the missing individuals are being kept informed through the Mexican consulate as the search mission enters its third day.