SAN DIEGO ( FOX 5/KUSI) — The U. S. Coast Guard ( USCG) intercepted a panga-style vessel carrying 16 people off the coast of San Diego early Sunday morning, the US Armed Forces branch confirmed in a press release.
A USCG team reported a suspicious 25-foot vehicle barren about 15 yards off Mission Bay around 12 a.m. The vessel was located one hour north of their location, prompting an immediate response.
In cooperation with U. S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, a combined operation was launched, deploying board groups to assess the situation. Upon boarding the vessel, USCG officers discovered 16 people aboard, all of whom claimed to be citizens of Mexico.
The workers ‘ safe transfer to U.S. Border Patrol custody for further processing.
In the media release, USCG emphasized that these activities are essential to ensuring both the safety and security of sea borders as well as safeguarding those who attempt to enter the country illegally.
