SAN DIEGO — Coast Guard Station San Diego response boat crew members interdicted seven aliens aboard a 25-foot cuddy cabin vessel approximately 7 miles west of Mission Bay, California, Sunday evening.
At approximately 5:10 p.m., the crew spotted a vessel that appeared disabled in the water. When the boat crew approached, the vessel suddenly transited south at high speed in an attempt to evade law enforcement.
The Coast Guard crew attempted to stop the vessel using warning shots, which were ineffective, followed by 15 non-lethal pepper ball rounds. The vessel then rammed the Coast Guard boat, causing minor cosmetic damage. The crew disabled the vessel’s starboard engine with three precision rounds, stopping it approximately 4 miles southwest of Point Loma.
The Coast Guard identified seven aliens aboard, all adult males who claimed Mexican nationality. No serious injuries were reported, though the individuals aboard experienced minor irritation from the pepper ball rounds.
All seven aliens and their vessel were taken into custody and later transferred to our Department of Homeland Security partners.
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