By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted two suspected smugglers aboard a personal watercraft Wednesday morning, approximately 4.5 miles south of San Diego, Coast Guard officials confirmed.
According to officials, the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter spotted the high-speed watercraft crossing the maritime boundary line around 5:44 a.m. A response crew from Coast Guard Station San Diego was dispatched to intercept.
“The suspects allegedly attempted to flee, performing erratic and dangerous maneuvers to evade capture,” the Coast Guard stated in a news release.
Coast Guard personnel deployed two rounds of LA-51, a non-lethal warning device, during the pursuit. One suspect sustained an arm injury as a result.
The boat crew secured compliance, provided first aid, and transported both individuals to shore. Emergency medical services met the vessel and transferred the injured suspect to UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest.
The Department of Homeland Security has taken both individuals into custody for further investigation.
Officials noted that maritime smuggling operations pose significant dangers to both those involved and the Coast Guard crews working to stop them. Wednesday’s interdiction was part of ongoing multi-agency efforts to combat smuggling along the U.S.-Mexico border. No additional Coast Guard action is planned at this time.
Coast Guard intercepts suspected smugglers off San Diego coast
