The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Narwhal intercepted an overloaded boat with 22 suspected illegal immigrants off the coast of Tijuana, Mexico.
The 25-foot boat was being piloted without lights when it was discovered around 2 a.m. Monday, according to officials. The boat was about 10 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border and 20 miles west of Mexico's Coronado Islands. Coast Guard officials said the cutter's officers believed the boat was overcrowded and they were concerned for the safety of its passengers, since they were not wearing life vests.
All 22 passengers were turned over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. All were Mexican citizens. There were no immediate reports of injuries and no immediate word if anyone will face criminal charges.
U.S. authorities have witnessed a spike in sea smuggling along the Pacific coast over the last two years.
