LOS ANGELES — U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued and subsequently interdicted 37 suspected aliens approximately 88 miles offshore Channel Islands Harbor, Friday.
At approximately 3:40 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders received a radio notification on VHF Channel 16 from the operator of a 30-foot pleasure craft located 88 miles offshore, reporting it was drifting without fuel, food or water for two days and lacked personal safety equipment. Watchstanders diverted crews assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Sockeye (WPB 87337), Coast Guard Halibut (WPB 87340), Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach, Coast Guard Station Channel Islands, and Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point to respond.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., Coast Guard crews located and boarded the vessel, identifying 37 suspected aliens aboard.
The Coast Guard crews rescued all individuals from the vessel and transferred them aboard the Sockeye. Sockeye’s crew transported the individuals to Coast Guard Base Los Angeles-Long Beach where they were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol personnel.
“I could not be prouder of the Coast Guard crews on scene who were directly responsible for 37 lives saved last night,” said Master Chief Peter Nelson, Sockeye’s officer in charge. “Despite operating far offshore in rough conditions at night, they persevered until every person in danger was rescued. Their extraordinary professionalism, superb judgment, and impeccable seamanship shined throughout the entire case.”
Units involved:
- Coast Guard Cutter Halibut (WPB 87340)
- Coast Guard Cutter Sockeye (WPB 87337)
- Coast Guard Station Channel Islands
- Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach
- Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach
- Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point
- U.S. Customs Border Patrol Air and Marine Interdiction Agents
- U.S. Border Patrol
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