At least 16 people were seen floating in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico's Baja California coast and rescued in the predawn hours Friday. The Coast Guard responded to a report of a vessel in distress at around 1 a.m. and found people in the water about 140 miles west of Ensenada.
Those rescued were being taken to San Diego hospitals. One person was being treated for a suspected shark bite. Three of the rescued individuals were taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, including the person with the suspected shark bite and two treated for cold exposure.
Petty Officer Chris Sappey said there was no sight of a vessel in the water, just people in the water. One person rescued said as many as 27 people had been on board a boat. It was unclear how the people ended up in the water.
The Coast Guard and U.S. Navy were assisting Mexican authorities in the search with two helicopters, a fixed-wing plane and a cutter. Messages seeking information were left for San Diego's Fire-Rescue Department.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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