Date: Aug. 24, 2007

COAST GUARD REPATRIATES 10 MEXICAN NATIONALS

 
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Jetta Disco

EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN - The Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton intercepted two go-fast vessels between Wednesday and Thursday leading to repatriation of 10 Mexican nationals.

A Coast Guard Maritime Patrol Aircraft reported two go-fast vessels transiting in the Eastern Pacific. The Hamilton launched their embarked Coast Guard MH-68 Helicopter to intercept the first go-fast.

After arriving on-scene, the helicopter requested permission to fire warning shots in an attempt to stop the go fast. The warning shots were effective and the helicopter remained on-scene until relieved by Hamilton's boarding team.

The helicopter then diverted to intercept the second go-fast.

The helicopter arrived on scene and again requested permission to fire warning shots.  The warning shots were again effective and a second Hamilton boarding team took control of the go fast once it stopped.

At the conclusion of the boardings, both go fasts were found to be stateless and in violation of numerous federal laws, resulting in termination of their voyages. 

The boarding teams from the Hamilton transferred custody of the crewmen to the Coast Guard Cutter Monsoon, which will repatriate the 10 Mexican Nationals.

The two go-fast vessels were deemed hazards to navigation and were destroyed on-scene.

-uscg-