Daijiworld Media Network – San Diego

San Diego, May 5: At least three people were confirmed dead and several others injured when a boat capsized near San Diego on Monday, prompting a large-scale search operation by the U.S. Coast Guard and sheriff's deputies.

Encinitas deputy fire chief Jorge Sanchez reported that, in addition to the fatalities, four individuals were transported to local hospitals. A person on the boat informed rescuers that there were 18 people on board, but it remains unclear how many may still be missing or whether any of the passengers reached the shore of Torrey Pines State Beach safely.

"We're just doing our due diligence by checking if there's anybody else in the waters," Sanchez stated, noting that the situation was still evolving. "At this point, I don't have anything else to report, as far as missing or accounted for."

The US Coast Guard confirmed that nine people are still unaccounted for following the incident off the coast of Del Mar, and rescue teams continue combing the area. San Diego Sheriff's deputies are also aiding in the ongoing maritime rescue operation near Stratford Court.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the accident, but the search for survivors and further investigations are underway.