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Six vessels suspected of maritime smuggling and transporting a total of 82 migrants were intercepted in separate incidents over the weekend, U.S. Coast Guard officials said Tuesday.
Five vessels were intercepted within a 90-minute span south of San Clemente Island on Saturday, officials said. A sixth vessel was interdicted near Sunset Cliffs the next day.
The Coast Guard, along with the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Navy, coordinated the operations at sea and in the air.
The first reports were received around 12:30 p.m. Saturday regarding three suspected smuggling boats that were traveling north from Mexican waters. The vessels were described as “20-to-25-foot cuddy cabin-style boats carrying fishing gear and fuel barrels onboard,” according to a news release.
A Coast Guard crew found the first vessel about 26 miles south of San Clemente Island. Officials reported that there were 10 individuals, all of whom claimed to be Mexican nationals, inside.
A DHS aircraft located the second vessel. When a crew was sent to the location, a pursuit began. Warning shots were fired as the boat initially failed to comply with commands to stop, officials said. Ten...
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