By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–A Coast Guard Air Station San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and the crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) rescued 18 people including one American aboard a disabled and adrift vessel approximately 50 miles southwest of San Diego Sunday.
A 35–foot vessel with people aboard was spotted in international waters taking on water and requesting assistance around 7:55 a.m.
The Spruance launched a 7-meter rigid hull inflatable boat crew to assist. The individuals were rescued from the water and safely brought aboard the Spruance.
Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector San Diego then launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew to transport the persons from Spruance to Coast Guard Sector San Diego.
All 18 were brought to Sector San Diego over two separate flights due to passenger constraints. They were transferred to Department of Homeland Security partners.
