HALF MOON BAY, Calif. -- The two people were found dead inside a capsized fishing vessel when it was recovered off Pillar Point Harbor near Half Moon Bay Saturday morning were two Milpitas cousins in their 40s, according to the San Mateo Sheriff's Office.

David Tien, 47, was an experienced, rough-water fisherman who was fishing with his cousin, Jim Hsu, 45, sheriff's Lt. Ray Lunny said.

The Coast Guard was notified at 10:09 a.m. that a boat had overturned about a quarter mile from Pillar Point Harbor, according to Coast Guard petty officer Pamela Manns.

It was determined the 2007 Grady-White fishing boat is harbored at the Pillar Point Harbor, San Mateo County sheriff's Lt. Ray Lunny said. Tien had birthed his boat at Pillar Point for the past three months and fished in the area three times before Saturday.

The Coast Guard launched two boats and a helicopter to search for any people that might have been on board.

When the 22-foot boat was retrieved, officials found Tien and Hsu inside the cabin.

“It obviously happened real quickly and they couldn't get out,” said John Draper, assistant harbormaster at Pillar Point.

Rescuers say the recreational fishermen left to go crabbing Saturday morning and at least one was wearing a flotation device.

Draper said the fisherman were in a notoriously dangerous area.

“It's a big reef in front of the harbor. It builds up 12-foot swells," said Draper. "They're surfing at mavericks so that tells you it's a pretty big swell day and it might not be a good day for a small to go out."

Pillar Point is a major commercial and sport fishing harbor near the annual Mavericks Surf Competition.

This is the second deadly boating accident in the same spot in as many months. Anyone who might have witnessed the event or has information about it is asked to call the sheriff's office at (650) 363-4055. To remain anonymous, call (800) 547-2700.