SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard apprehended 10 suspected aliens and three suspected smugglers during two boarding operations near Point Loma, Sunday.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., Coast Guard Sector San Diego watchstanders received a radio transmission from the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter (WPB 87362) crew directing Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Honolulu to intercept a 34-foot sailing vessel crossing the Maritime Boundary Line approximately 5 miles southwest of Point Loma.
The MSST Honolulu boatcrew boarded the vessel and spoke with the operator, who was identified as a U.S. citizen and claimed he was alone. During the inspection, the crew found another individual hidden below deck, prompting further investigation.
The MSST Honolulu boatcrew escorted the vessel to Ballast Point where they were joined by Imperial Beach Border Patrol and a Coast Guard enforcement team for a dockside boarding and K-9 sweep. Before the K-9 sweep, the operator reported more people were hidden below deck. The vessel was reported to have two U.S. citizens, seven suspected aliens- four adults and three unaccompanied minors, and suspected narcotics aboard.
All nine individuals were transferred to Imperial Beach Border Patrol at Ballast Point.
Later, at 4:50 p.m., Sector San Diego watchstanders received a radio transmission of the Sea Otter crew directing the MSST Honolulu boatcrew to intercept a 36-foot sailing vessel crossing the Maritime Boundary Line 1 mile south of Point Loma.
The MSST Honolulu boatcrew interdicted the vessel and identified one operator and three passengers. A background check on the operator revealed prior smuggling convictions, prompting the MSST crew to escort the vessel to Bali Hai Pier and were joined by Imperial Beach Border Patrol and a Coast Guard enforcement team for further investigation. The vessel was reported to have one U.S. citizen and three suspected aliens- two adults and one unaccompanied minor.
All four individuals were transferred to Imperial Beach Border Patrol at Bali Hai Pier.
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