Video: Capsized Panga Found Near Palos Verdes

Though he only had a quick fishing trip planned, Will Eberesman, of Los Angeles, got a firsthand look at near Palos Verdes Estates early Tuesday morning that had the U.S. Coast Guard searching for missing occupants much of the day.

The panga—a small vessel used by commercial fishermen—was found near Bluff Cove about 6:45 a.m. Tuesday.

A number of gas cans were also found nearby.

After Baywatch Cabrillo and the notified the Coast Guard, a 45-foot Response Boat and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter were used to search the waters. The search was later .

“It was wild,” Ebersman said. “A sunken panga was being towed off [the ½ Redondo Special's] stern, Coast Guard boats were buzzing around, and helicopters zoomed overhead while we caught lots of big calico bass. Now that’s a fishing trip.”

About 6:30 a.m., Palos Verdes resident George Uraguchi spied a capsized boat in the water off Bluff Cove. Uraguchi also noticed a life jacket, as well as some debris in the water. He dialed 911 and then paddled out to see if anyone was in distress.

Uraguchi found fuel canisters floating near the submerged panga but no people. He also found some discarded wet shirts along the trail leading to the Cove. Shortly thereafter, officials closed off the area in an attempt to contain occupants of the panga.

On May 13, another panga was found abandoned near Bluff Cove. In July, near Point Vicente with 200 pounds of pot on board.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency continues to investigate Tuesday's discovery.