U.S.

U.S. border-patrolling drone crashes in Pacific Ocean

/ AP

WASHINGTON - An American drone that is part of a fleet that patrols the border with Mexico has crashed off the coast of Southern California.

Customs and Border Protection says the drone was being flown on a border security mission when a mechanical problem developed about 20 miles southwest of San Diego late Monday. Spokesman Mike Friel says the crew operating the drone decided to crash it in the ocean.

The $12 million surveillance drone was one of 10 that the Department of Homeland Security uses to patrol the border. It was just one of two Predator B drones equipped with radar specifically designed to be used over the ocean.

Friel said the cause of the mechanical failure is unknown.

First published on January 28, 2014 / 1:54 PM EST

© 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.