The sentencing came just two days after a similar incident off the coast of Imperial Beach, leading to the deaths of four people on board.

One of five people charged by federal prosecutors for their roles in a maritime human-smuggling event that led to the deaths of four people -- including two children -- off the coast of northern San Diego County earlier this year was sentenced today to 16 months in prison.

Four people were killed and one person was taken into custody after a panga boat capsized off Imperial Beach, triggering a massive emergency response involving multiple agencies.

The panga boat incident, in heavy surf as the region endured a substantial rainstorm, occurred near South Seacoast Drive and Encanto Avenue.

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed to ABC 10News that the Mexican Navy searched for Michael Rijavec after he went missing off the coast of Baja California while kayaking on Tuesday, Nov. 11.