US Coast Guard, Navy rescue illegal migrants from disabled vessel off San Diego coast

A US Coast Guard Air Station San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and the crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance rescued 17 illegal aliens and one American aboard a disabled and adrift vessel approximately 50 miles southwest of San Diego on Sunday.

A 35–foot vessel with 18 individuals aboard was spotted in international waters taking on water and requesting assistance around 07:55.

The Spruance launched a seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boat crew to assist. The 18 individuals were rescued from the water and safely brought aboard the Spruance.

Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector San Diego then launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew to transport the persons from Spruance to Coast Guard Sector San Diego.

All 17 aliens and the one American were brought to Sector San Diego over two separate flights due to passenger constraints.

The 18 individuals were transferred to Department of Homeland Security partners.