OCEANSIDE, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard detained 18 people aboard a boat about 20 miles west of Carlsbad early Sunday before transporting them to Oceanside, officials said.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour spotted a 25-foot panga-style vessel traveling north of the maritime boundary around 4:25 a.m. and sent a crew to intercept it.
A boarding team reached the vessel around 5:45 a.m. and detained 18 people suspected of entering the country illegally, according to the Coast Guard.
The 18 people were taken to Oceanside and transferred to U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Oceanside Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.