By Zoila Palma: Eleven people remain missing after a boat carrying 27 passengers capsized in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico early Friday.
The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search-and-rescue operation after receiving a distress call at approximately 1:00 a.m. reporting that a vessel was taking on water about 140 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico, Yahoo reports.
Helicopter crews arrived about an hour after the distress call and found passengers struggling to stay afloat among debris. Rescuers spent approximately 90 minutes pulling 16 survivors from the water.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, several survivors suffered severe injuries consistent with shark bites, and emergency first aid was provided during the rescue. All 16 survivors are Mexican nationals and were transported to a Coast Guard base in San Diego before being taken to local hospitals. Two were reported to be in critical condition.
Search efforts involving aircraft and vessels continued as authorities worked to locate the 11 missing passengers. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Charlie Valor said the rescue mission would continue until there was no chance of finding survivors in the water.
The circumstances surrounding the voyage remain unclear, including where the boat departed from, its intended destination and the purpose of the trip.
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