Boat Carrying 16 Migrants Stopped Off Coast Of Point Loma

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard stopped a boat carrying 16 migrants over the weekend off the coast of Point Loma.

The incident happened Saturday when the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Petrel interdicted a 25-foot sailboat about 54 miles southwest of Point Loma, according to the Coast Guard. A C-130 aircraft from Air Station Sacramento found the sailing vessel and guided the cutter to its position.

The cutter launched a boarding team that interdicted the vessel without the use of force, according to the Coast Guard. Authorities said all 16 individuals aboard the boat claimed Mexican nationality. The migrants were transferred to the custody of U.S. Border Patrol at Ballast Point.