# Baja California maritime shipwreck and search > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/baja-california-maritime-shipwreck-and-search > Updated: 2026-10-23T20:29:02.000Z. Sources: 71. Developments: 3. A boat carrying 27 Mexican nationals capsized in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 140 to 225 kilometers west of Ensenada, Baja California. Following a Mayday call early on a Friday morning, joint rescue operations involving the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and Mexican Navy were initiated. Rescuers recovered 16 survivors who required medical treatment in San Diego, California, for critical injuries and suspected shark bites. U.S. Coast Guard swimmer Josh Law, 24, was credited with personally rescuing the 16 individuals from the water during the predawn operation, which was conducted under pitch-black conditions and heavy waves measuring 6 to 8 feet. Law was lowered from a helicopter by Lieutenant Miyako Miller to reach survivors clinging to debris and buoys. As of Sunday, 11 individuals remain missing. After approximately 89 hours and covering more than 2,400 square miles, the joint search operation has been suspended. Search assets included helicopters, aircraft, and naval vessels, such as the USS Kingsville and the cutter Active. The cause of the capsize remains unknown. While the area is a route frequently used by migrant smuggling boats, it remains unclear if the vessel suffered engine failure, was swept out to sea, or was involved in smuggling. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is currently conducting a federal investigation and interviewing survivors to determine the vessel’s origin, destination, and the cause of the accident. The Mexican consulate has also been involved in assisting the survivors. ## Claims - The boat was carrying approximately 27 people. (disputed by 17 sources) - 16 people were rescued. (disputed by 17 sources) - 11 people remain missing. (disputed by 17 sources) - The U.S. Coast Guard reported the incident. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Several survivors had injuries consistent with shark bites. (corroborated by 10 sources) - All the rescued were Mexican nationals. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The vessel capsized in an area frequented by smugglers. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The search was suspended after approximately 89 hours. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: US Coast Guard swimmer rescues 16 people after Pacific shipwreck US Coast Guard swimmer Josh Law rescued 16 Mexican nationals from the Pacific Ocean after their boat capsized off the Baja California coast during a nighttime operation in heavy seas. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-coast-guard-swimmer-rescues-16-people-from-pacific-ocean ### 2026-10-18: U.S. Coast Guard suspends search for 11 missing after boat capsizes off Mexico The U.S. Coast Guard has ended a search for 11 missing people after a boat carrying roughly 27 passengers capsized off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. Sixteen Mexican nationals were rescued. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/baja-california-shipwreck-leaves-11-missing-after-shark-attacks ### 2026-10-16: Baja California boat capsizes; 16 rescued, 11 missing Authorities are searching for 11 missing people after a boat capsized off the coast of Baja California. 16 Mexican nationals were rescued and treated for injuries, including suspected shark bites. 52 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-coast-guard-rescues-16-people-off-mexicos-baja-coast --- Cite as: Baja California maritime shipwreck and search. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/baja-california-maritime-shipwreck-and-search