Man’s body found off Ocean Beach; death believed related to capsized panga that left one dead, three hurt

The body of a fully clothed man was discovered in the water off Ocean Beach on April 11 — the second death believed related to a failed smuggling attempt.

A 30-foot panga was found capsized in the water early the day before. Three men were rescued by lifeguards and one man was found dead.

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One man dead, three rescued from capsized panga off Ocean Beach

Three men were rescued and one was found dead after a possible smuggling boat overturned off Ocean Beach early April 10.

Beach-goers found the second body at around 10 a.m. April 11 along the surf line off Dog Beach, north of the Ocean Beach Pier, said San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Jose Ysea.

Lifeguards went into the water and retrieved the body of the man, who authorities said was Latino. Police were notified. “At this point they believe he may be related to the panga boat incident from yesterday,” Ysea said.

The San Diego County medical examiner’s office took possession of the body and will try to determine the man’s identity and how he died.

Lifeguards and the Coast Guard searched for hours April 10 trying to find any other people who may have been on the panga before it overturned. The total number of people on board at the time it capsized was unknown.

Pangas are low-slung boats outfitted with outboard motors and sometimes are used as fishing vessels. Boats often are used to transport undocumented migrants from Mexican waters to the United States. Pangas’ low profile often enables them to go undetected across the border.

The man found dead April 10 was a 37-year-old Mexican citizen originally from the state of Guerrero, according to the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego. His body was found near Dog Beach. The consulate has contacted the man’s family.

— San Diego Union-Tribune staff writer Kate Morrissey contributed to this report.