Empty boat and lifejackets wash ashore in Pacific Beach

By Michele Clock, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Originally published July 17, 2010 at 12:42 p.m.,
updated July 17, 2010 at 3:04 p.m.

SAN DIEGO -An empty panga boat and 20 life vests were found strewed across the sand in Pacific Beach early Saturday morning, but there were no signs of people.

San Diego Lifeguard Lt. Nick Lerma said lifeguards and police were summoned by a 911 call at 6 a.m. Saturday found a 24 foot panga boat and vests on the beach south of Crystal Pier. in Pacific Beach. It appeared the boat may have been carrying illegal border crossers. migrants. Lerma said the investigation is being handled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. department.

Officials at that department could not immediately be reached for comment.

The boat appeared to have come ashore about 3:30 a.m. Saturday based on accounts from local residents who said they heard noises in an alleyway and “people running byâ€