In a tragic turn of events off the coast of Imperial Beach, San Diego, a boat carrying migrants capsized, claiming the lives of four individuals. This incident has led to charges against two men accused of orchestrating the smuggling operation, as announced by federal prosecutors on Monday.
The unfortunate accident took place amid turbulent waves, reportedly sparking a confrontation between the boat’s captain and the passengers. The Department of Justice revealed in a statement that David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, a Mexican citizen identified as the captain, was apprehended on Saturday. He now faces charges related to the deaths of the four passengers.
The overloaded panga boat encountered six-foot waves and engine issues, which further fueled tensions on board, ultimately leading to the disaster. This chaotic scene unfolded and was captured in a striking image by Petty Officer 3rd Class Roberto Nieves, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by those on the vessel.
Alongside Barrera Nunes, Luis Enrique Barreto Goitia, also from Mexico, is facing serious charges. He has been accused of “Bringing in Aliens Resulting in Death and Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain,” according to the official report.
In addition, one passenger from the ill-fated boat was charged as a previously removed alien who had re-entered the United States illegally. This individual was last deported on November 3, 2025, after first being expelled in 2012.
A passenger on the boat was also charged with being a previously removed alien who illegally reentered the U.S. He was most recently removed on Nov. 3, 2025, and was first deported in 2012.
The incident began Nov. 14 when Customs and Border Protection agents were alerted to a small boat crossing the international maritime boundary.
Captain David Alfonso Barrera Nunes refused passengers’ pleas to return to Mexico before his panga boat overturned in rough surf, resulting in four deaths at Imperial Beach. (Google Maps)
About an hour later, they found a capsized panga in six-foot waves off Imperial Beach as survivors came out from the surf.
Nine people were thought to be aboard; four died and five were rescued or detained and taken to local hospitals, per the release.
Passengers told of an ordeal in which the boat had engine problems, sparking an argument between the captain and several passengers who pleaded with him to turn back to Mexico.
People in Tijuana, Mexico look though the US-Mexico border wall at Border Field State Park on August 17, 2025 in Imperial Beach, California. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Per the complaint seen by Fox News Digital, prosecutors said Barrera Nunes refused and attempted to push toward shore despite having no engine power.
The panga rotated in the heavy surf and overturned. According to the complaint, Barrera Nunes was the second person to reach the beach and made no attempt to help his passengers.
One survivor reportedly told patrol agents he had been trapped inside the submerged cabin but found a pocket of air that allowed him to breathe until agents flipped the vessel upright.
Another man said he reluctantly accompanied his granddaughter on the journey.
Before the capsizing, he said, the captain ordered everyone to jump overboard, but as the boat rolled, he managed to pull his granddaughter free but became trapped himself, suffering a severe leg injury from a piece of metal before ultimately being rescued.
Fox News Digital has reached out to The Department of Justice for further comment.
