U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued 37 suspected migrants from a 30-foot pleasure craft that had been stranded for two days approximately 88 miles off the coast of Southern California. The vessel was found without fuel, food, or water.
The rescue operation began Friday around 3:40 p.m. when the boat's operator contacted the Coast Guard for assistance. Multiple Coast Guard crews, including cutters and boats from various stations, as well as an air crew, were dispatched to the area. They located the boat and its occupants around 8:30 p.m.
All 37 individuals were brought aboard the Coast Guard cutter Sockeye and later transported to Coast Guard Base Los Angeles-Long Beach. They were subsequently turned over to U.S. Border Patrol. The Coast Guard did not immediately provide details on the suspected migrants' point of origin, departure location, or intended destination.
Master Chief Peter Nelson, the Sockeye's officer in charge, commended the crews for their efforts, highlighting the challenging conditions. "Despite operating far offshore in rough conditions at night, they persevered until every person in danger was rescued," Nelson stated. "Their extraordinary professionalism, superb judgment, and impeccable seamanship shined throughout the entire case."
The vessel was described as having no personal safety equipment aboard during the two days it was adrift.