Public Safety
Coast Guard rescues 16 off Baja; search continues for others
People pulled from the Pacific west of Ensenada were taken to San Diego hospitals Friday, including one person treated for a suspected shark bite, while crews searched for additional survivors.
The U.S. Coast Guard responded around 1 a.m. Friday to a report of a vessel in distress roughly 140 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico. Responders found people in the water but did not see a vessel, according to Associated Press reporting based on information from Coast Guard Petty Officer Chris Sappey.
At least 16 people were rescued and transported to hospitals in San Diego. One survivor told authorities that as many as 27 people had been aboard. The Coast Guard and U.S. Navy continued assisting Mexican authorities with two helicopters, a fixed-wing aircraft and a cutter.
Rescued: At least 16 people
Reported aboard: As many as 27, according to one survivor
Location: About 140 miles west of Ensenada
Search assets: Two helicopters, a fixed-wing aircraft and a cutter
San Diego agencies receive survivors
Associated Press reported that three people were taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego: one for a suspected shark bite and two for cold exposure. NBC 7 San Diego reported that 13 ambulances transported survivors to local hospitals and that San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Brian Raines said two people were in critical condition. Authorities had not publicly established how the group entered the water, and the Coast Guard said no boat was visible when rescuers arrived.
Original reporting: Associated Press — October 16, 2026 → · NBC 7 San Diego — October 16, 2026 →