The U.S. Coast Guard joined a search before sunrise Saturday looking for more possible victims after a panga boat flipped over in rough surf south of the Imperial Beach Pier.

According to Imperial Beach Fire Chief, John French, the boat was carrying at least 9 people. They included passengers who are believed to have been transported from Mexico by human smugglers.

"Patrol agents had watched the boat cross the border then got the report it turned over throwing people into the water," French said. Four people died in the accident struggling in the cold ocean and turbulent waves. Three of the bodies were recovered near the pier.

The other body was discovered floating just feet away from homes on Seacoast Drive and Encanto Avenue.

“My heart goes out to those folks," said Ed Winchester who

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