Two children of Mehsana Patel family die during illegal attempt to enter US

Two children from a Gujarati family died and their parents were critically injured after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Del Mar, California, on Monday. The family was attempting to enter the United States illegally via the sea route.

According to the US Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California, 14-year-old Prince Patel drowned in the incident, while his 10-year-old sister Mahi is missing and presumed dead. Their father, Brijesh Patel, is in a coma, and their mother, Jagruti Patel, is hospitalised in San Diego.

The family, originally from Anandpura village in Vijapur taluka and residents of Ahmedabad, had travelled to London six months ago before making their way to the US.

The incident occurred when the ‘panga’ boat, commonly used in maritime smuggling, overturned near the Del Mar shoreline. Bystanders and San Diego lifeguards responded to the rescue effort.

Federal authorities have charged five individuals in connection with the smuggling operation. Mexican nationals Julio Cesar Zuniga Luna and Jesus Juan Rodriguez Leyva were arrested at the beach and charged with Bringing in Aliens Resulting in Death and Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain.

Later that night, US Border Patrol agents arrested three more individuals linked to the incident after identifying vehicles connected to the smuggling attempt. Eight of the nine migrants reported missing from the boat have been located, except for Mahi.

Investigations are ongoing.