On Sunday morning, a suspected human smuggling vessel was discovered near Sunset Cliffs in San Diego. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s Marine Safety Lieutenant Brian Clark reported that the approximately 20-foot panga boat arrived at Ladera Street with about 15 individuals on board. According to a nearby surfer who contacted 911, all occupants disembarked safely, wearing lifejackets, and left the scene before authorities arrived. By the time first responders reached the location, the boat was found abandoned on the rocks.
This incident is part of a recent surge in maritime smuggling attempts along San Diego’s coastline. Earlier the same day, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a 25-foot panga boat carrying 16 Mexican nationals approximately 15 miles off the coast of Mission Bay. All individuals were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody for processing.
Residents in the area have noted an increase in such activities. Glen Volk, a local, mentioned, “Every once in a while, because I walk the dog super early in the morning, there would be a crew of federal agents that would show up and start rounding up the guys that came in.”
Authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security, have been notified and will handle the salvage of the abandoned vessel.
