7 Migrants Trapped In Sinking Boat Turned Over To Feds In Newport Beach: Coast Guard

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Seven Mexican nationals were arrested after the U.S. Coast Guard boat on patrol off Newport Beach stopped a 20-foot boat taking on water this weekend.

The boat was spotted at around 9 p.m. Saturday while the Coast Guard vessel was patrolling, according to the Coast Guard. The crew stopped the boat to board it.

"During the boarding, the crew identified seven suspected aliens aboard and discovered water intrusion in the bilge," according to the statement. "They secured the flooding source and initiated a tow."

There were no reported injuries or medical concerns among the five men and two women on the boat, the Coast Guard said. Three were confirmed Mexican nationals and four were suspected to have been Mexican nationals.

The boat and its occupants were turned over to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard reported.