How Did Survivors of the Baja California Boat Capsizing End Up With Shark Bite Injuries?

Several survivors of a boat that capsized off the Baja California coast were suffering from severe injuries consistent with shark bites, the U.S. Coast Guard said. Sixteen Mexican nationals were rescued after the boat capsized with 27 people on board, and authorities were continuing to search for 11 people believed to be missing.

Key facts

• What: Boat capsizing, followed by reported shark attacks on survivors in the water
• Where: About 140 miles (225 kilometres) west of Ensenada, Mexico, off the Baja California coast
• When: The boat capsized on Friday; a mayday call was transmitted about 1am on Friday
• On board: 27 people, according to survivors
• Rescued: 16 Mexican nationals
• Missing: 11 people believed to be missing, with the search continuing at the time of the report
• Source: The Independent, 19 October 2026

What happened

Survivors told officials there were 27 people on board the boat, which departed from Mexico and capsized about 140 miles (225 kilometres) west of Ensenada. A mayday call was transmitted from someone on the boat about 1am on Friday. The U.S. Coast Guard said 16 Mexican nationals had already been rescued on Friday.

The Coast Guard said several of those rescued were suffering from severe injuries consistent with shark bites. The Mexican consulate in San Diego said all those rescued were Mexican nationals.

The search

The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy were searching the waters using multiple aircraft and boats. Rescuers were searching the area with helicopters, a fixed-wing plane, a cutter and a Navy combat ship. Authorities were continuing to search for the 11 people believed to be missing.

"We were able to help, and that's why we launched our assets," said Petty Officer Charlie Valor.

Smuggling route context

The boat capsized in an area frequented by smugglers, and the incident did not happen in U.S. waters, according to the report. The region is popular with fishing and leisure boats.

The report also noted that survivors who were witnesses to a crime may be eligible for humanitarian parole. In a similar incident in May 2025, at least three people died when a boat flipped off the coast.

What happens next

The search for the 11 missing people was continuing at the time of the report. Casualty figures may change as the search continues and officials release further updates.

Frequently asked questions

How many people were on board the boat that capsized off Baja California?

Survivors told officials there were 27 people on board.

How many people were rescued?

The U.S. Coast Guard said 16 Mexican nationals had been rescued.

How many people are still missing?

Authorities were continuing to search for 11 people believed to be missing.

Were survivors attacked by sharks?

The Coast Guard said several of those rescued were suffering from severe injuries consistent with shark bites.

Where did the boat capsize?

About 140 miles (225 kilometres) west of Ensenada, Mexico, off the Baja California coast. The incident did not happen in U.S. waters.