A boat washed ashore in San Diego early Monday morning in what authorities confirmed was a mass casualty incident that left at least three people dead.
“This was a mass casualty incident,” Encinitas Deputy Fire Chief Jorge Sanchez said.
It was estimated that the boat was carrying 18 people. Officials said victims were found scattered along the beach, prompting a large-scale emergency response. In addition to the confirmed dead, there were four survivors, and nine people are unaccounted for
“There were estimated to be about 18 people on the beach, so we upgraded this to a major medical response due to the number of potential victims that we had on the beach with this boat,” Sanchez said.
Emergency crews conducted a coordinated search of the area to locate additional victims.
“We have several resources walking up and down the beach as well, making sure that no one is missed,” Sanchez added.
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Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the incident. When asked whether the accident was related to a human smuggling operation, officials said they could not prove that.
The investigation is ongoing.