Mexican nationals involved in an apparent migrant-smuggling attempt off the California coast sustained injuries consistent with shark bites, officials said.
Sixteen of 27 people were rescued after their boat capsized early Friday morning. Survivors spent time in open water fending off sharks, with several reportedly suffering bites.
“Sixteen people have been rescued and transported to Coast Guard Sector San Diego, where emergency medical services personnel transferred them to local hospitals for further medical evaluation. Two of the sixteen individuals rescued were confirmed to be Mexican nationals,” the United States Coast Guard (USCG) said Friday.
The 16 survivors were found clinging to one another and pieces of debris while treading water and trying to stay afloat, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
At least one survivor was treated for a suspected shark bite, while two others remained in critical condition.
The rescue operation began after a boat reported the emergency at about 1 a.m. Friday. The vessel had capsized roughly 140 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico.
RELATED: Reality TV Stars Mimi Faust and Stevie J’s Daughter Eva Giselle Gets Glam for Homecoming
The USCG said the boat may have been linked to a maritime migrant-smuggling operation.
“The vessel had a large number of people onboard and was following a route normally used in illegal maritime smuggling operations. Offshore conditions are unforgiving and can quickly result in death,” said Captain Robert Tucker, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Diego.
A spokesperson for the city of San Diego also told NBC San Diego that a human-smuggling boat was present at the scene.
The incident on Friday followed a series of suspected smuggling operations reported off the Southern California coast.
On October 3, federal agents intercepted a vessel off Newport Harbor carrying 14 suspected illegal migrants from Mexico.
In early August, authorities also stopped a boat carrying 21 illegal migrants who were attempting to enter Southern California. A 56-year-old man was found unresponsive and later died.
NEXT UP: France’s ‘Chaos Inc.’: Communist Groups, Unions and Activists