By SDCN Editor
Oceanside, CA–The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a panga-style vessel carrying 26 individuals approximately one mile off the coast of Oceanside Harbor on Monday morning.
The incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. when Oceanside lifeguards reported a disabled vessel with multiple people aboard that had run out of fuel. After determining there were no immediate safety risks, the lifeguards notified Coast Guard personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center and stayed on the scene.
The Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne was redirected to assist in the operation. A boarding team from the cutter safely brought the 26 individuals on board. The passengers, hailing from various nationalities, including Mexico, China, and Vietnam, were subsequently handed over to U.S. Border Patrol authorities.
The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of collaboration with partner agencies to address and deter dangerous smuggling operations, which often put lives at risk.
