Search continues for 11 missing after boat sank off Mexico’s Baja coast

What the report says

Search efforts were continuing on Saturday for 11 people missing after a boat capsized off Mexico’s Baja California coast, Al Jazeera reported. The US Coast Guard said 16 Mexican nationals were rescued from the water on Friday, and survivors indicated that 27 people had been aboard the vessel. The incident occurred roughly 225km west of Ensenada, an area used by fishing and leisure boats and also known for smuggling routes.

According to the Coast Guard, several of the rescued people had injuries consistent with shark bites and were given first aid while being transported to San Diego. The search operation involved US Coast Guard and Navy aircraft and boats, with help from the Mexican Navy. Officials said another helicopter was due to join the search later on Saturday.

A distress call was received around 1am on Friday, and a rescue helicopter reached the scene about two hours later. A rescue swimmer and crew spent about 90 minutes pulling the survivors from the water, according to the Coast Guard. The incident took place outside US waters, but American officials said they launched resources to assist. Maritime accidents involving migrants or other passengers have occurred in the region before, underscoring the risks of overcrowded or unsafe crossings.