Seventeen Rescued After Megayacht Collision Near Mexican Border

The U.S. Coast Guard medevaced an injured person via helicopter as part of the rescue of 17 passengers after a vessel collision near the maritime boundary line.

The crew of the 332-foot megayacht, Attessa IV, collided with the 65-foot sportfisher, Prowler, approximately nine miles offshore of Imperial Beach near the Mexican border on Friday evening. The collision resulted in extensive damage to the starboard quarter of the sportfisher and multiple injuries.

A Coast Guard Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and a Coast Guard Station San Diego 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew were dispatched to respond. The Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter was also diverted to assist. The Jayhawk crew hoisted a critically injured passenger who was subsequently taken to UC San Diego Medical Center. Two of the remaining 17 reported injuries.

The Prowler is awaiting commercial salvage.

The cause of the collision is under investigation.