The Pacific Ocean roared, churning with six-foot waves off the coast of Imperial Beach, California. What began as a desperate journey across the maritime border ended in tragedy on November 14th, a panga boat capsizing and claiming four lives.
Federal prosecutors have charged two men in connection with the disaster. David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, identified as the boat’s captain and a Mexican national, now faces charges directly linked to the deaths of those on board. The harrowing incident unfolded amidst rough seas and escalating tension.
Passengers aboard the overloaded vessel recounted a terrifying ordeal. Engine trouble plagued the small boat, igniting a desperate plea from those on board – a demand to turn back to the safety of Mexican shores. The captain, however, allegedly refused, stubbornly attempting to reach the California coastline despite the failing engine.
As the panga was tossed by the relentless surf, it rotated violently and overturned, plunging its occupants into the frigid water. Witnesses claim Barrera Nunes was among the first to reach the beach, yet made no effort to assist those struggling in the waves.
One survivor described a desperate fight for air, trapped within the submerged cabin until rescuers righted the vessel, revealing a small pocket of breathable air. Another man, haunted by regret, had reluctantly brought his granddaughter on the perilous journey.
Before the boat capsized, the captain allegedly ordered everyone into the water. The grandfather managed to free his granddaughter from the chaos, but became trapped himself, suffering a severe leg injury from exposed metal during the struggle.
A second man, Luis Enrique Barreto Goitia, also a Mexican national, faces charges related to bringing individuals into the country for financial gain, and for the deaths that resulted. The pursuit of profit, it appears, fueled a journey with devastating consequences.
Adding another layer to the tragedy, one of the passengers has been charged with illegally re-entering the United States after previous deportations, most recently on November 3, 2025, and initially in 2012. His story underscores the complex motivations driving individuals to undertake such dangerous crossings.
Customs and Border Protection agents were alerted to the approaching vessel and arrived to find a scene of chaos – survivors emerging from the surf, and the grim reality of four lives lost. Five individuals were rescued or detained, receiving medical attention at local hospitals.
The investigation continues, piecing together the events that led to this heartbreaking outcome. The ocean’s fury, combined with alleged negligence and desperation, created a perfect storm of tragedy off the coast of Imperial Beach.
