SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Twelve men were rescued off the coast of Point Loma early Monday morning after they found themselves trapped on a boat that was taking on water.
San Diego Lifeguards and Customs and Border Protection's Air Marine Operations responded to an incident off New Break Beach near Sunset Cliffs, just south of Point Loma Nazarene University’s Young Hall, at around 3 a.m.
10News learned the person making the emergency call spoke only Spanish and told authorities that the boat occupants were wearing lifejackets, but the vessel was taking on water.
Responding lifeguards and Air Marine Operations spotted the boat and rescued the occupants.
After the rescue, the 12 men -- who appeared to be Mexican nationals -- were taken into CBP custody. The boat was seized by Air Marine Operations as part of their investigation into the incident, which was believed to be a failed human smuggling operation.
It was not immediately determined if the boat occupants were undocumented immigrants.
