OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Coast Guard crews interdicted a panga-style vessel carrying 26 individuals approximately one mile offshore from Oceanside Harbor, Monday morning.
At around 10:30 a.m., Oceanside lifeguards reported a disabled vessel with multiple people aboard that had run out of fuel. Assessing no immediate safety concerns, lifeguards notified Coast Guard personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center and remained on scene.
The Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne was diverted to assist. Terrell Horne’s crew deployed a boarding team and safely embarked the 26 individuals, who represented multiple nationalities, including those from Mexico, China, and Vietnam. The individuals were later transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody.
The Coast Guard works closely with partner agencies to deter and respond to dangerous smuggling operations that endanger lives.