SAN DIEGO — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Robert Ward (WPC 1130) and the Mexican Navy vessel ARM Revolución successfully collaborated to deter a suspected maritime smuggling attempt approximately 11 miles southwest of Point Loma, Sunday.
At approximately 4 p.m., the crew of Robert Ward detected a vessel transiting north from Mexican waters into U.S. territorial waters. As the cutter prepared to deploy its small boat to conduct a boarding, the suspected smuggling vessel suddenly reversed course and fled south at a high rate of speed.
The Robert Ward pursued the vessel to the U.S.–Mexico Maritime Boundary Line. ARM Revolución was observed operating nearby, and Robert Ward relayed a description of the suspect vessel via VHF radio. Mexican Navy personnel aboard Revolución located, stopped and conducted a boarding of the approximately 24-foot center-console vessel with four people aboard within Mexican territorial waters.
The outcome of the boarding is unknown at this time; however, the coordinated effort between the U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican Navy successfully deterred a potential smuggling venture and underscored the value of international maritime cooperation in combating transnational criminal activity.