SAN DIEGO (AP) — A tragic incident occurred off the coast of San Diego early Monday morning when a small boat overturned, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Additionally, four others sustained injuries, and authorities reported that nine more are currently missing following the accident.

According to the San Diego Sheriff's Department, multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to emergency calls around 6:30 a.m. about a capsized panga-style boat near Torrey Pines State Beach. The Coast Guard quickly mobilized a search operation to locate those missing in the water approximately 15 miles (24 km) north of downtown San Diego.

The panga boats involved in this tragedy are typically open vessels designed for fishing but have often been associated with smuggling activities. This particular incident casts a spotlight on the safety measures and risks involved in such maritime vessels, as well as the ongoing issues of immigration and smuggling along the California coast.

The search and rescue operation is actively ongoing, as rescue teams navigate the challenging conditions at sea to find the missing individuals and provide assistance to those who were injured. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the accident to come forward.

Given the history of panga boats being used for illegal activities, this incident raises crucial questions about maritime safety, law enforcement's role in managing such vessels, and the humanitarian aspects of migration in the region.