A US Coast Guard law enforcement detachment (LEDET) embarked aboard the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson interdicted 14 aliens aboard a 33-foot (10-metre) sport fishing vessel approximately 18 miles (29 kilometres) southeast of Catalina Island, California, on the morning (local time) of Sunday, October 5.
Watchstanders at the Sector San Diego Joint Harbor Operation Center (JHOC) received notification of a vessel crossing north of the maritime boundary line operating with no navigation lights.
Sampson approached the vessel as it loitered in the contiguous zone off San Clemente Island and San Diego and observed two persons aboard the vessel giving the appearance of fishing. When Sampson distanced itself from the vessel, it stopped loitering and continued transiting on a northerly course.
Watchstanders at the JHOC then directed Sampson to board the vessel using its attached LEDET.
Thirteen adults aboard the vessel claimed Mexican nationality and one adult claimed Ecuadorian nationality. The 14 aliens and the vessel were brought to Oceanside, California, and custody of the people was transferred to another agency under the US Department of Homeland Security.
Upon mission completion, tactical control of Sampson returned to US Third Fleet.
