Coast Guard foils attempt to smuggle 11 people

Coast Guard foils attempt to smuggle 11 people

IMPERIAL BEACH: A Coast Guard cutter intercepted a 20-foot powerboat carrying 11 suspected illegal immigrants about five miles off Imperial Beach yesterday and turned them over to the Border Patrol, an official said.

The boat, carrying six women and five men from Mexico, was about a mile and a half into U.S. waters and was considered overloaded, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Henry Dunphy.

“You wouldn't want to go any great distance in a vessel like that,â€

This has been happening with more frequency. Also have heard of abandoned boats on our shore so no telling how many make it.

I know SW Fla. with all its waterways and barrier islands started becoming a hot spot about 15 years ago. There was even an incident when bales of pot started washing up on shore. The area became very popular with the locals suddenly.