Indian Family’s US Dream Ends in Boat Tragedy

 

Tragedy as Indian Family's Journey to US Ends in Disaster Off San Diego Coast

  

A harrowing tragedy has struck an Indian family attempting to enter the United States from Mexico, as their boat capsized off the coast of San Diego, California. The incident claimed the life of a ten-year-old boy, with several others feared dead or missing.

Brijesh Patel, a resident of Anandpura village in Gujarat, along with his wife Jagrutiben and their two children, Prince (10) and Mahi (15), were among a group attempting the perilous sea crossing when strong waves overturned their boat near the San Diego shoreline. While the body of young Prince has been recovered, the search for Mahi continues.

Both Brijesh and Jagrutiben Patel are currently receiving medical treatment at Cypress Memorial Hospital in San Diego and remain in the custody of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). India’s Consulate General in San Francisco confirmed the incident via social media.

Authorities have reported that three individuals died in the incident, while nine remain missing. Four others sustained injuries. Several Indian passports were found near the site, and CBP officials suspect the boat had been used repeatedly for human trafficking operations.

A relative of the Patel family revealed that Brijesh previously ran a business selling submersible pumps but had been under financial strain due to mounting debts. The family had travelled to London legally on valid visas six months ago. The exact circumstances leading to their presence on the Mexico–US border remain unclear.

The Patel family had been residing in Ahmedabad for several years after moving from Anandpura. Financial hardship reportedly prompted their departure abroad. The ill-fated journey ended in disaster on Monday, when a total of sixteen individuals were plunged into the sea after the boat overturned.

Authorities continue to investigate the tragedy as efforts to locate the missing, including Mahi Patel, remain ongoing.