Thread: CA. 15 illegal aliens on boat in Newport harbor, authorities say

Oct. 18, 2012 Updated: Oct. 19, 2012 9:07 a.m.

15 illegal immigrants on boat in Newport harbor, authorities say

• THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

NEWPORT BEACH – Authorities say more than a dozen illegal immigrants were taken into custody Thursday after they were discovered being smuggled on a vessel into Newport Harbor.

Harbor Patrol officials shortly after 4:30 p.m. reported stopping a pleasure craft with illegal immigrants hidden in the bottom, Orange County Sheriff's Department Lt. Joe Balicki said.

Orange County Sheriff Harbor Patrol officers & U.S. Border Patrol officers prepare 15 illegal immigrants for transport on the guest dock at the Orange County Harbor Patrol office in Newport Beach, Thursday evening, October 18, 2012, after vessel they were aboard was stopped in Newport Harbor.

According to a statement by the Sheriff's Department, deputies were on a routine patrol when they noticed a pleasure craft "unknown to the area" that was sitting low in the water "as if it were overloaded."

Authorities found 15 individuals "secreted" in the bilge area of the vessel, sheriff's officials said.

The individuals found in the boat were examined by paramedics before being turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7939 or semery@ocregister.com

15 illegal immigrants on boat in Newport harbor, authorities say | harbor, boat, immigrants - News - The Orange County Register

Good job! This is happening way too frequently, no telling how many such boats carrying illegals have been missed.