A late-night maritime tragedy has claimed four lives off the coast of San Diego, after a small boat capsized in the early hours of Saturday, 15th November 2025.
Night-Time Search and Rescue Operation
The incident occurred at approximately 12.30 a.m. near Imperial Beach, prompting a large-scale emergency response. The U.S. Coast Guard, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department all rushed to the scene. Crews searched throughout the night for survivors in the dark waters, with footage from the area showing the intense rescue efforts.
Authorities confirmed that one person was found dead in the water, while three others were discovered deceased near the beach. The identities of the victims have not yet been released to the public. Five additional individuals were injured in the accident and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Eyewitness Accounts and Ongoing Efforts
From the scene, Fire Chief John French informed Fox5 San Diego that the search was not over, stating, "We have Coast Guard still out there, you know, looking out there in the water to see if there are any other bodies out there."
An eyewitness fishing on the Imperial Beach pier described the chilling moment he realised the severity of the situation. He told Sideo TV that he and his friends saw a helicopter circling and then spotted one of the victims unresponsive in the water. The authorities have not released any further information as the investigation into the cause of the boat capsizing continues.