The US Coast Guard Cutter intercepted three lanchas and confiscated 2,160 pounds of unlawfully caught fish in federal waters off southern Texas. The vigilant efforts were carried out by boat crews from Coast Guard Station South Padre Island and US Coast Guard Jacob Poroo, along with support from Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aircrews.
The interception occurred north of the Maritime Boundary Line, where 13 Mexican fishermen were found engaged in illegal fishing activities. Upon halting the lanchas, Us Coast Guard Cutter personnel discovered red snapper and fishing gear aboard the vessels. The fishermen were promptly detained and transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further proceedings.
Lanchas, typical fishing boats used by Mexican fishermen, have been frequently associated with illegal activities including smuggling narcotics and poaching in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone near the U.S./Mexico border in the Gulf of Mexico. The successful operation underscores the Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to enforcing maritime laws and protecting marine resources.
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