15 Detained After Coast Guard Intercepts Panga Boat Off San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a boat carrying 15 people about 16 miles west of San Diego early Friday, authorities said.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircraft detected a panga-style boat traveling north toward the maritime boundary around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard cutters David Duren and Haddock were positioned to intercept the vessel after it crossed the boundary.

A boarding team from the David Duren stopped the boat around 12:30 a.m. Friday and detained all 15 people aboard. The Coast Guard described them as suspected migrants.

The group was taken to Ballast Point and transferred to U.S. Border Patrol agents.