SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A Coast Guard Station San Juan boat crew rescued two aliens, Sunday, after they jumped from a barge into the water while transiting San Juan Harbor to evade law enforcement.
Both individuals were rescued from the water and brought safely to shore, where they were taken into custody by Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations personnel.
At approximately 10 a.m., a Coast Guard Station San Juan boat crew rescued the two individuals after they jumped from the barge, Charlotte Bridge, while it was being towed into San Juan Harbor by the tugboat, Southern Dawn. The Coast Guard crew escorted the tugboat and barge safely to their berth.
Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders received an initial notification from the crew of the Southern Dawn, who suspected at least two unauthorized individuals were hidden aboard the barge. In response, Coast Guard Station San Juan launched a small boat crew to prepare for the possibility that the individuals might enter the water.
“I cannot stress enough how dangerous it is for stowaways to board or jump from a moving barge,” said Cmdr. Matt Romano, response department head and operations officer of Coast Guard Sector San Juan. “The coordination and swift response of the Coast Guard and our partner agencies not only prevented a tragic incident but also demonstrated our commitment to securing our borders.”
Once the vessels arrived pier side, a Sector San Juan boarding team, along with CBP Office of Field Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Puerto Rico Police Department, conducted a security boarding to ensure no additional unauthorized individuals remained aboard the barge.
Individuals interdicted at sea or apprehended ashore who arrive unlawfully are not permitted to remain in the United States or its territories and may be repatriated to their country of origin or returned to their point of departure.
Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders maintain a continuous watch and coordinate closely with partner agencies to ensure the safety and security of Puerto Rico’s ports and waterways.
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