By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–A U.S. Coast Guard boarding team intercepted a vessel carrying 12 passengers Monday morning off the coast of San Diego, according to officials.
At approximately 6:09 a.m., watchstanders reported detecting a panga-style boat traveling north into U.S. waters. A boarding team assigned to a Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team was deployed to intercept the vessel.
Officials said the crew issued commands for the operator to stop, but the vessel did not comply and attempted to flee. The Coast Guard reported that personnel used a graduated use-of-force approach, including disabling fire, to stop the boat.
After boarding the vessel, authorities identified the individuals on board. All were reported to have stated they are Mexican nationals.
The individuals were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol personnel at Ballast Point in Imperial Beach for further processing, according to officials.
