The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Sunday for 11 people missing 140 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico, after a suspected smuggling boat sank early Friday.
Crews from the Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy and the Mexican Navy had searched 89 hours, covering more than 2,441 square miles, after receiving distress calls early Friday reporting that a boat with 27 people aboard was taking on water, officials said.
Debris from the boat was located in the water and an Air Station Ventura crew rescued 16 people who were taken to San Diego hospitals for medical assessment and care, the Coast Guard said.
“We are grateful for the exceptional coordination and assistance from Mexico and the U.S. Navy throughout this challenging operation,” said Capt. Joseph Meuse, chief of staff, Coast Guard Southwest District. “Suspending a search is never easy, and this was an exceptionally dynamic case, far offshore, in rough weather.
“We can say with confidence that human traffickers have zero regard for human life and routinely put the lives of illegal aliens and the lives of rescue crews at risk,” he added.
A federal investigation was underway.