(This story has been updated to include more information.)
Authorities are investigating an empty panga boat reported on Silver Strand Beach June 14.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a resident about the boat at 5:50 a.m., according to Capt. Kevin Kipp. Silver Strand is an unincorporated area of Ventura County near Oxnard, and the agency provides police services.
The 24-foot panga – a large, open boat often used for fishing in Mexico – was found empty and eight life vests were found on the sand nearby, Kipp said. Sheriff’s officials later said another nine life vests were found inside the panga.
As far as Kipp knew, no one saw anyone leave.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Harbor Patrol also responded and searched the water for humans but did not find anyone, Kipp said.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol sent out an area marine officer to investigate. The federal agency will oversee the boat recovery and the overall investigation.
“It’s going to be all them,” Kipp said. “We’re just there to assist them and offer humanitarian aid to any victims.”
The sheriff’s captain said the boat will likely be removed from the beach with the help of a local boat towing company.
Kipp said a panga boat was last discovered on Silver Strand Beach April 6.
Sheriff’s officials said Customs and Border Patrol later removed the boat from the beach.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Empty panga boat found on Silver Strand Beach
Reporting by Stacie N. Galang, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Stacie N. Galang, Ventura County Star | USA TODAY Network
