By Tom Bolton, Noozhawk Executive Editor
Published on 08.05.2013 12:02 p.m.


A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter searches for suspects Monday after panga was found on Tajiguas Beach along the Gaviota Coast. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

An abandoned panga was found on the beach at Tajiguas on the Gaviota Coast, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The 30-foot boat was located early morning, the Coast Guard said, but a search of the area turned up no suspects.

Santa Barbara County sheriff's investigators also responded to the scene, the Coast Guard said.

A sheriff's spokeswoman could not immediately be reached for comment.

Pangas, which are often used to smuggle drugs and people up the coast from Mexico, have been found on local beaches numerous times in recent years.

http://www.noozhawk.com/article/aban...beach_20130805