Coast Guard Intercepts 36 Migrants Off San Diego Coast

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted 36 people aboard a vessel about 22 miles off the coast of San Diego, authorities said.

Crew members aboard the 154-foot fast response cutter USCGC John McCormick spotted a suspicious 30-foot cuddy cabin vessel at 1:38 p.m. Tuesday and launched a boarding team to investigate, according to the Coast Guard.

The boarding team approached the vessel and gained compliance without using additional force, Coast Guard officials said.

During the inspection, the boarding team identified 36 people who claimed Mexican nationality. All were detained and transferred to U.S. Border Patrol agents at Ballast Point, officials said.