SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard intercepted 22 people just northwest of the U.S./Mexican border who are suspected of attempting to enter the country illegally early this morning.
At about 2:15 a.m. the Corona Del Mar, Calif., based Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal noticed a boat that did not have any lights on and was traveling at varying speeds. The crew launched their small boat to investigate. Once they were on scene with the overloaded panga, the crew determined they needed more coverage and assistance. The sector launched an MH-60J helicopter and the station launched a 33-foot response boat.
The crew members of the Narwhal and Station San Diego transferred all 22 people to the Narwhal. The migrants were then transferred to Ballast Point to be turned over to Customs and Border Protection agents.
The nationality of the migrants is Mexican. When people try to cross the border in this manner it is very dangerous because they can fall overbord and succumb to hypothermia or drown.
The Cutter Narwhal is an 87-foot patrol boat based out of Corona Del Mar, Calif
