Two men have been charged after a panga carrying migrants capsized off Imperial Beach, San Diego, on Nov. 14. The disabled vessel overturned in six-foot surf after reported engine trouble and an onboard argument; nine people were believed aboard, four died and five were rescued or detained. Authorities identified alleged captain David Alfonso Barrera Nunes and co-defendant Luis Enrique Barreto Goitia; a passenger was charged as a previously removed alien. Survivors describe becoming trapped in the submerged cabin and serious injuries sustained during rescue.
Four Dead After Panga Capsizes Off Imperial Beach — Two Men Charged in Human-Smuggling Case
Two men have been charged after a panga carrying migrants capsized off Imperial Beach, San Diego, on Nov. 14. The disabled vessel overturned in six-foot surf after reported engine trouble and an onboard argument; nine people were believed aboard, four died and five were rescued or detained. Authorities identified alleged captain David Alfonso Barrera Nunes and co-defendant Luis Enrique Barreto Goitia; a passenger was charged as a previously removed alien. Survivors describe becoming trapped in the submerged cabin and serious injuries sustained during rescue.
11:00 AM, 11/18/2025Security
Four Dead After Panga Capsizes Off Imperial Beach; Two Charged in Human-Smuggling Case
Federal prosecutors announced charges against two men after a panga carrying migrants capsized off Imperial Beach near San Diego on Nov. 14, resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents were first alerted to a small vessel crossing the international maritime boundary. About an hour later, in rough six-foot surf, agents discovered the overturned panga as survivors emerged from the water.
Names and charges: Authorities identified the suspected captain as David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, a Mexican national who was arrested and charged in connection with the deaths of four passengers. A second man, Luis Enrique Barreto Goitia, also a Mexican national, was charged with "Bringing in Aliens Resulting in Death" and "Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain," the Department of Justice said. Separately, one passenger was charged as a previously removed alien who illegally reentered the United States; records indicate he was most recently removed on Nov. 3, 2025, after an initial deportation in 2012.
Officials believe nine people were aboard the vessel. Four died and five others were rescued or detained and transported to local hospitals for treatment, according to the DOJ statement.
Survivors told investigators the panga suffered engine trouble, prompting an argument in which several passengers urged the captain to return to Mexico. The criminal complaint obtained by reporters alleges that Barrera Nunes refused to turn back and attempted to push the disabled vessel toward shore despite having no engine power. In heavy surf the boat rotated and capsized.
One survivor described being trapped inside a submerged cabin until he located an air pocket and was able to breathe until agents flipped the vessel upright. Another passenger said he accompanied his granddaughter reluctantly; he pulled her free as the boat rolled but became trapped and suffered a severe leg injury from a piece of metal before being rescued.
The complaint also alleges Barrera Nunes was the second person to reach the beach and did not attempt to assist other passengers. Federal authorities filed the criminal charges while local emergency crews treated and transported survivors. The Department of Justice has been contacted for further comment.