SAN DIEGO — Coast Guard Sector San Diego personnel saved two Mexican nationals from a vessel taking on water approximately 8 miles west of San Diego, Monday morning.
Joint Harbor Command Center personnel received multiple reports, via 911, of a vessel taking on water at approximately 12 a.m., Monday morning. Sector San Diego assumed search and rescue mission coordinator responsibilities, issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, and launched units from Air Station San Diego and Station San Diego.
Additionally, San Diego lifeguards and a Navy warship, which overheard the UMIB, responded to assist.
En route to the last known position, the distressed vessel fired a flare, alerting Coast Guard units to their location. Upon arrival, responding assets confirmed the presence of two persons aboard, Mexican nationals with visas and confirmed the vessel was taking on water.
The Station San Diego boat crew members assisted in dewatering the vessel but could not secure the source of the flooding. Due to the severity of the flooding, the vessel was deemed unsafe to tow and was subsequently marked as a hazard to navigation and left adrift.
The two survivors were transported to Shelter Island, where they were met by Imperial Beach Border Patrol agents for further questioning.
Border Patrol agents cleared the individuals, who were then left at Shelter Island Boat Ramp to await family members.