A man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for piloting a small vessel overloaded with 32 migrants that smashed apart in powerful surf off San Diego's coast last year, killing three people.
FILE - Wreckage and debris washes ashore at Cabrillo National Monument near where a boat capsized just off the coast on May 2, 2021, in San Diego. A federal judge sentenced a San Diego man to 18 years in prison Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, for piloting a small vessel overloaded with 32 migrants that smashed apart in powerful surf off San Diego's coast last year, killing three people. U.S. District Judge Janis L.
Prosecutors say Hurtado was high on drugs when he drove the migrants into rough, stormy seas in the dark on May 2021. As 5-to-8-foot waves pounded the vessel, he jumped overboard and swam to shore, abandoning the passengers he had told to hide in the cabin and under deck. The boat capsized and broke apart as they were hurled into the treacherous early morning waters. Hurtado's lawyer could not be reached for comment.
The 32 migrants — all but one from Mexico — had agreed to pay between $15,000 and $18,000 to be smuggled into the United States. High on drugs, Hurtado passed out for an hour before passengers were able to wake him, prosecutors say. Then the vessel's engine failed but Hurtado ignored his passengers’ pleas to call the U.S. Coast Guard for help.Rangers at Cabrillo National Park saw the boat capsize and called the U.S. Coast Guard, one of many federal and local agencies that responded, along with hikers. In the end, 29 people were rescued.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Southwest Airlines employees celebrate passenger's 104th birthdayJane Smith of San Francisco has 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Read more »
San Diego-based Mexican eatery Qdoba soldPurchase price was not disclosed. Previously owned by Apollo, Qdoba is Mexican fast food franchise chain with 750 stores across the country
Read more »
San Diego County marks a first in nation for geriatric emergency careGeriatric emergency departments cater to seniors who may have dementia, cognitive decline and conditions that make it difficult to navigate emergency rooms. Thirteen percent of county residents are older than 65 — and that number is rapidly rising.
Read more »
San Diego Woman Who Accused Trevor Bauer of Sexual Abuse Files Countersuit to Defamation ClaimA San Diego woman who accused LA Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer of sexually abusing and beating her has filed a counter claim to his defamation lawsuit against her, according to a court filing.
Read more »
For subscribers: Will Lake Mead's plummeting water levels leave San Diego high and dry?Federal government has threatened mandatory Colorado River cuts if basin states can't agree by next week on blueprint to slash usage.
Read more »
Hell's Kitchen Ready to Fire Up San Diego CountyThe mouth-watering wait is finally over. Esteemed culinary artist, Gordon Ramsay, well-known for his feisty reality TV show Hell’s Kitchen, is bringing the show-inspired restaurant to the Rincon Reservation, just outside of Escondido. Hell’s Kitchen is set to open Friday, Aug. 12 in Harrah’s Resort SoCal.
Read more »