By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted 36 suspected migrants aboard two vessels off the Southern California coast and pursued a third vessel in separate incidents in October, Coast Guard officials reported.
On October 9, a Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team boat crew intercepted 13 suspected migrants aboard a 24-foot vessel approximately seven miles off San Diego.
The individuals were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Imperial Beach station at Ballast Point.
Later that day, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal intercepted another 23 suspected migrants aboard a 25-foot cuddy-cabin vessel near Santa Cruz Island while conducting patrol operations.
The Narwhal crew transported the individuals to Coast Guard Base Los Angeles-Long Beach, where they were transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody. A Coast Guard Station Channel Islands crew seized the vessel and transferred it to CBP.
In a separate incident on Oct. 17, Coast Guard watchstanders detected a suspicious personal watercraft traveling at high speed off Point Loma.
An MSST Honolulu boatcrew was diverted to investigate. When the operator failed to follow the crew’s commands, a pursuit began, prompting additional Coast Guard personal watercraft crews to respond.
During the pursuit, the vessel struck a wave and capsized. Coast Guard personnel apprehended the passenger, while the operator swam ashore and evaded authorities.
The Coast Guard works with federal and international agencies to disrupt maritime human smuggling operations and protect the safety of those at sea. Officials warn that these operations often involve overcrowded, poorly equipped vessels that are not designed for ocean conditions.
“These operations and interdictions reflect the Coast Guard’s persistent, multi-mission presence throughout Southern California’s maritime region,” said Coast Guard Capt. Jason Hagen, Southwest District chief of enforcement. “Our crews stand ready to conduct border security operations, enforce federal laws, and keep our waters safe,” Hagen said.
Hagen added that dangerous and illegal migration attempts put lives at risk, particularly when smugglers use overcrowded vessels that are not properly equipped for maritime conditions.
