US Coast Guard, Mexican Navy disrupt suspected maritime smuggling venture off San Diego

The crew of the US Coast Guard fast response cutter USCGC Robert Ward and the Mexican Navy Oaxaca-class patrol vessel ARM Revolución successfully collaborated to deter a suspected maritime smuggling attempt approximately 11 miles (18 kilometres) southwest of Point Loma in San Diego, California, on Sunday, July 13.

At approximately 16:00 local time, the crew of Robert Ward detected a vessel transiting north from Mexican waters into US territorial waters. As the cutter prepared to deploy its small boat to conduct a boarding, the suspected smuggling vessel suddenly reversed course and fled south at a high rate of speed.

Robert Ward pursued the vessel to the US–Mexico maritime boundary line. Revolución was observed operating nearby, and Robert Ward relayed a description of the suspect vessel via VHF radio.

Mexican Navy personnel aboard Revolución located, stopped and conducted a boarding of the approximately 24-foot (7.3-metre) center-console vessel with four people aboard within Mexican territorial waters.

The coast guard said that the outcome of the boarding is unknown at this time but that the coordinated effort between the US Coast Guard and Mexican Navy successfully deterred a potential smuggling venture.