SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Sixteen migrants were intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Point Loma over the weekend, according to a statement released by the maritime law enforcement branch.
The incident occurred Saturday when the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Petrel located and boarded a 25-foot sailboat, approximately 54 miles southwest of Point Loma. The operation was initiated after a C-130 aircraft from Air Station Sacramento identified the vessel and directed the cutter to its position.
Authorities say the boarding was conducted without incident or use of force. Once onboard, officers discovered 16 individuals, all of whom claimed to be Mexican nationals.
The migrants were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody at Ballast Point. No injuries were reported, and the incident remains under investigation.
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