Coast Guard Rescues 37 Suspected Migrants Stranded Off Southern California

In a recent operation, the U.S. Coast Guard rescued 37 suspected migrants stranded on a 30-foot pleasure craft. These individuals were found nearly 90 miles from the Southern California coast, near Channel Islands Harbor. The incident occurred after the boat drifted for two days without fuel, food, or water.

The rescue operation began when the boat’s operator contacted the Coast Guard at around 3:40 p.m. Thus, several Coast Guard teams, including cutters Sockeye and Halibut, as well as boats from Los Angeles-Long Beach and Channel Islands, were dispatched. An air crew also participated in the mission.

By 8:30 p.m., the crews reached the distressed vessel and successfully transferred all 37 suspected migrants aboard the cutter Sockeye. The rescue was conducted under challenging conditions, far from land, and after nightfall.

“I could not be prouder of the Coast Guard crews on scene who were directly responsible for 37 lives saved last night,” expressed Master Chief Peter Nelson, the officer in charge of the Sockeye.

After the rescue, the Coast Guard safely transported the group to Coast Guard Base Los Angeles-Long Beach. Upon arrival, U.S. Border Patrol personnel took custody of the individuals. The origins and intended destination of the boat were not disclosed by the Coast Guard, and further details about the group remain unknown.