Crime & Safety

Newport Cops Assist With Search For Panga Boat Operators

Newport Beach authorities are helping with a search for operators of a small fishing vessel or Panga Boat, that arrived on shore Monday.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Newport Beach Police are seeking the operators of a small Panga Boat, or fishing vessel, that arrived on shore Monday morning. The operators were seen quickly darting away once the boat landed on shore, authorities said.

Newport Beach Police officers are assisting with the search following the vessel's landing on California Parks beaches, according to Jennifer Manzella, information officer for the Newport Beach Police Department. The Laguna Beach Police Department officers were also assisting, using drones to locate the people who fled the scene.

This was believed to be a human trafficking operation, Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jim Cota said. Evidence was being processed at the scene as of 8 a.m. Monday morning, and the boat was slated for removal by authorities.

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Laguna Beach Police Department Photo

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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