Two boat captains sentenced to nearly six years after Del Mar capsizing killed four

Federal authorities charged two men with federal crimes stemming from a May 2025 vessel capsizing off the coast of Del Mar that claimed four lives. The court sentenced both defendants on Monday to 70 months in prison.

The incident involved a panga carrying 19 people that overturned approximately 200 meters from the shore. Emergency responders recovered the bodies of three individuals at the scene: Marcos Lozada-Juarez, 18; Gorgonio Placido-Diaz, 55; and Prince Patel, 14. The body of Prince's 10-year-old sister, Mahi, was located weeks later.

Jesús Iván Rodríguez-Leyva, 28, and Julio César Zúñiga-Luna, 32, pleaded guilty to charges of introducing aliens that resulted in death and introducing aliens for profit. Prosecutors identified Rodríguez-Leyva as the captain and Zúñiga-Luna as a co-pilot responsible for fueling the vessel. The government noted the boat was overloaded, lacked lights, and relied on a motor held together with adhesive tape.

According to court filings, the engine malfunctioned shortly after departing Mexico, forcing a return to the shore. The vessel departed again 15 minutes later and completed an 11-hour journey to U.S. waters before capsizing. Prosecutors alleged the men ordered passengers, some of whom could not swim, to remove their life jackets to reach the beach faster where vehicles awaited.

Defense attorneys argued the men were recruited for their diving experience and took the job out of economic necessity. They stated the defendants attempted to save drowning occupants and suffered deep emotional trauma. Gerardo González, representing Zúñiga-Luna, said the incident would haunt his client for life. Danielle Iredale, representing Rodríguez-Leyva, noted he wakes every night thinking about those he could not save, particularly because his daughter is the same age as the girl who died.

District Judge Benjamin J. Cheeks acknowledged the economic pressures facing both men. He told Zúñiga-Luna he was trying to help his family, but the method brought them to court. The judge also recognized the defendants' efforts to assist the occupants while noting the severity of the case. He stated four people are no longer on the planet to embrace their families or breathe the air.

Rodríguez-Leyva and Zúñiga-Luna were arrested on the beach. Three other individuals were arrested in vehicles that transported some of the migrants. Those three defendants pleaded guilty to various charges and received prison sentences ranging from 10 to 21 months.