Haunting scenes at iconic Californian surf spot Blacks as multiple bodies found following boat collision that killed at least eight, “Men and women washed up on shore for several hours”

"This is one of the worst maritime smuggling tragedies in California."

The dangers of human trafficking came into relief for San Diego surfers this morning when multiple bodies were found washed ashore at Blacks following a mid-sea collision between two boats carrying at least eighteen migrants.

The San Diego Herald-Tribune reported,

Officials were alerted to the incident when a Spanish-speaking woman called 911 around 11:30 p.m. asking for help. She said two boats were near Black’s Beach, one with eight people on board and a second with somewhere between eight and 15 people.

She told dispatchers the one she was on had made it to shore while the other had capsized and people were in the water.

“This is one of the worst maritime smuggling tragedies that I can think of in California, and certainly here in the city,” San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Lifeguard Chief James Gartland said.

In a statement the Consulate General of Mexico said,

“(We)  lament the maritime tragedy that occurred this morning near La Jolla. We are working to identify people of Mexican origin and assist their families.”