The US military announced on Monday it launched a strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing two people and leaving one survivor.
US President Donald Trump's administration has touted its success in recent weeks at taking out suspected drug trafficking vessels.
The military said in a post on X that the vessel was "engaged in narco-trafficking operations".
Reuters could not immediately verify the information.
Ecuador's Maritime Rescue Coordination Center is coordinating the search and rescue operations, the US Coast Guard said in a statement, adding that it is providing technical support.

Six killed in Swiss bus blaze after person reportedly sets themselves on fire
US says it destroyed mine-laying vessels as Trump warns Iran over strait
Britain working with allies to support shipping through Strait of Hormuz
Wildlife to replace humans on next series of UK banknotes
Five Iranian women's soccer players granted humanitarian visas in Australia
Almost 700,000 displaced after Israeli strikes on Lebanon, UN agencies say
British warship HMS Dragon departs for Eastern Mediterranean
One dead, several injured in Iranian attack on Manama building
