Panga Boat Lands In Huntington Beach; 12 Arrested
HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA) - A dozen people were taken into custody Monday after they arrived on a makeshift boat in Huntington Beach, authorities said.
Huntington Beach firefighters treated 12 patients at the 16100 block of Pacific Coast Highway following what officials described as "a multi-casualty incident."
The suspects - both men and women - were taken into federal custody after they were examined by paramedics.
According to the Associated Press, nine Chinese men, a Chinese woman and two Mexican men were handed over to federal custody. One of the Mexican men is believed to be the smuggler.
The boat first made entry via Anaheim Bay, which is U.S. Navy property, CBSLA's Michele Gile reported.
Boat lands in #Surfside just south of #SealBeach with 11 men and women- all now in federal custody after being examined by paramedics @cbsla #cbsla pic.twitter.com/rrdi1ZMkVq
— michele gile (@michelegiletv) January 28, 2019
It wasn't immediately clear where the boat originated. The vessel will be turned over to the Naval Weapons station for further inspection.
The boat used by 12 people taken into custody by federal officials in Huntington Beach earlier this afternoon is now being held by the OC Sheriff's Dept. It will be turned over to the Naval Weapons station because the boat entered their area @CBSLA @KCBSKCALDesk pic.twitter.com/rZ8PJNq40h
— Chris Ercoli (@CErcoliCBS2KCAL) January 29, 2019
Federal agents told reporters the boat was believed to belong to a smuggling operation, but didn't offer additional details.