3 killed after overcrowded boat capsized off San Diego coast in apparent smuggling operation

The U.S. Coast Guard on Monday suspended its response to an overturned vessel that broke apart in choppy waters off the coast of San Diego. A total of 32 people were accounted for after a "severely overcrowded" boat overturned Sunday morning during a suspected smuggling incident, officials said.

"Yesterday, we were once again reminded how dangerous these ocean smuggling attempts can be and we will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to prevent, detect and respond to cases like this to keep the waters of San Diego safe and secure," said Captain Timothy Barelli of the Coast Guard. Twenty-nine people survived, five of whom were hospitalized, the Coast Guard said Monday. One remains in critical condition. Three people were declared dead by the San Diego County medical examiner. The Coast Guard previously said four people had died.