Five people carrying immigrants on the boat capsized near San Diego are charged, killing teenagers and 2 others

Authorities say a ship carrying immigrants overturned near San Diego was charged with killing a 14-year-old boy from India, with at least two boys.

The Southern California District Attorney’s Office said in a press release Tuesday that all Mexican nationals of the group were charged with two federal complaints.

They were identified as Jesus Ivan Rodriguez Lawva, 36; Julio Cesar Zuniga-Luna, 30; Melissa Jennelle Cota, 33; Gustavo Lara, 32; and Sergio Rojas-Fregoso, 31.

Zuniga-Luna and Rodriguez-Leyva were arrested on Monday for causing aliens, causing death and bringing foreigners for financial gain, the lawyer's office said. They were found on a beach in Del Mar, where witnesses observed a capsized Panga-style boat.

Officials said Cota, Lara and Rojas-Fregosa were deported in December 2023 and were charged with transporting illegal foreigners.

Coast Guard, Lifeguard Sheriff's representative assisted in the search. Three bodies, including the teenager, were recovered by law enforcement officers.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said that the teenage mother and father were rescued and hospitalized in a coma.

It was initially believed that nine people were missing on the ship. On Monday night, Border Patrol agents found a vehicle in Chula Vista, California, eight of which were found at the scene of the smuggling incident.

"The driver of the vehicle fled the scene. During the investigation, Border Patrol personnel identified two other vehicles involved in the smuggling activities and were able to successfully stop and arrest the drivers of these loaded vehicles and found eight of the nine migrants missing on the ship," the release said.

The remaining missing persons are the teen's 10-year-old sister, who is believed to be missing at sea and believed to be dead, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

"The drowning deaths of these children are heartbreaking, which reminds people of the small fatal cost of human traffickers," U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said in a statement. "We are committed to seeking justice for these vulnerable victims and any traffickers who are responsible for their deaths."

Erick Mendoza contribute.