Coast Guard Stops Suspected Human-Smuggling Vessel Off San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard stopped a boat carrying 15 people off the coast of San Diego, authorities said.

Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard cutter Petrel intercepted a 20-foot cuddy cabin-style vessel at about 4:20 a.m. Wednesday around 10 miles northwest of Point Loma, according to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard cutter Robert Ward assisted in the effort.

The 11 men and four women claimed to be Mexican nationals, the Coast Guard said. They were taken into custody by Coast Guard personnel and transferred to Border Patrol agents for further processing.