Coast Guard Stops Boat Carrying 21 Migrants Near Point Loma

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard stopped a boat carrying 21 people about 20 miles off the coast of Point Loma, officials announced.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection notified Coast Guard personnel around 10:45 p.m. Monday about the 40-foot panga-style vessel. The boat appeared to be headed north about 40 miles south of the maritime boundary line, according to the Coast Guard.

"The Coast Guard Cutter Active and the Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne were diverted to the scene," a Coast Guard news release said. "Both cutters launched boarding teams and, with CBP's assistance, successfully interdicted the vessel."

All 21 people aboard the boat claimed Mexican nationality, but two passengers were identified as Guatemalan and Salvadoran nationals, Coast Guard officials said. The individuals were transferred to Border Patrol custody.