SAN DIEGO — A joint operation between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Mexican Navy successfully disrupted a suspected maritime smuggling attempt off the coast of Southern California, authorities announced this week.
The incident unfolded Sunday afternoon when the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Robert Ward detected a suspicious vessel about 11 miles southwest of Point Loma, moving north from Mexican waters.
Chase on the High Seas Ends at Border Line
The Coast Guard began to track the 24-foot boat, but when the occupants realized they were being followed, the vessel suddenly turned back toward Mexico, accelerating away in an attempt to escape.
As the pursuit approached the U.S.–Mexico Maritime Boundary Line, coordination with the Mexican Navy became crucial. Officials aboard the ARM Revolución, a patrol vessel from Mexico, joined the operation.
Using VHF radio, the U.S. crew relayed critical information about the vessel’s location and appearance. The Mexican Navy then quickly located and boarded the suspect boat within Mexican waters, marking a seamless international handoff.
No Details Yet on Arrests or Cargo
Authorities have not yet released information about arrests, the vessel’s occupants, or the contents onboard. However, the operation is being cited as a textbook example of binational maritime coordination to curb illegal activity along the Pacific corridor.
The U.S. Coast Guard praised the collaboration, emphasizing how such partnerships are essential in managing complex cross-border threats.
“This kind of synchronized effort is exactly how we keep illegal maritime activity in check,” a Coast Guard spokesperson said in a press release.
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