Search efforts are ongoing for 11 individuals missing after a boat capsized off the coast of Mexico’s Baja California on Friday. Multiple survivors rescued from the incident have been treated for injuries consistent with shark bites, according to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard.

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that several of the 16 rescued individuals were suffering from severe injuries, prompting the Coast Guard to provide immediate first aid during their transport to San Diego. The rescued individuals were identified as Mexican nationals.

Survivors reported that a total of 27 people were aboard the vessel when it went down. The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, with assistance from the Mexican Navy, have deployed multiple aircraft and vessels to search the area. An additional helicopter was scheduled to be deployed on Saturday to aid in the search.

A Mayday call was received by the Coast Guard at approximately 1 a.m. on Friday. A rescue helicopter arrived at the scene about two hours later, and it took approximately 90 minutes to retrieve the 16 survivors from the water. The boat sank about 140 miles (225 km) west of Ensenada, Mexico.

This region is a popular destination for recreational and fishing boats, but it is also known to be frequented by smugglers. While the incident did not occur within U.S. waters, a Coast Guard official stated that they "were able to help, and that’s why we launched our assets."

Past incidents highlight the dangers of maritime smuggling operations. In May 2025, at least three people died when a boat capsized off the coast, approximately 35 miles (56 km) north of the U.S.-Mexico border. More recently, in 2023, eight people lost their lives in a maritime smuggling accident near San Diego when two boats capsized in heavy surf.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing. The deployment of multiple rescue assets underscores the urgency of the search for the missing individuals, while the reports of shark bites add a disturbing element to the ongoing rescue operation.

Details regarding the type of vessel and the intended journey of those on board have not been fully disclosed. The ongoing search and rescue operation highlights the persistent risks associated with maritime travel in the region, particularly for those involved in smuggling activities.