US Coast Guard Rescues 2 Individuals After They Jump From Barge In San Juan Harbour

The United States Coast Guard rescued two individuals after they jumped from a moving barge into the water while transiting San Juan Harbour on Sunday in an attempt to avoid law enforcement.

A Coast Guard Station San Juan boat crew recovered the two individuals from the water at about 10 a.m. They were safely brought ashore and later taken into custody by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations.

The incident took place as the barge Charlotte Bridge was being towed into San Juan Harbour by the tugboat Southern Dawn. After the rescue, Coast Guard crews escorted both the tug and barge safely to their berth.

Earlier, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Juan received a report from the crew of the Southern Dawn, who suspected that at least two unauthorised individuals were hidden aboard the barge.

In response, the Coast Guard launched a small boat crew in case the individuals attempted to enter the water. The official said the quick coordination between the Coast Guard and partner agencies helped prevent a serious incident and supported ongoing efforts to secure maritime borders.

Once the vessels arrived at the pier, a Coast Guard Sector San Juan boarding team, working with Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Puerto Rico Police Department, carried out a security inspection of the barge.

The inspection confirmed that no other unauthorised individuals were found on board.

Authorities reiterated that individuals intercepted at sea or apprehended ashore after entering unlawfully are not permitted to remain in the United States or its territories. Such individuals may be repatriated to their country of origin or returned to their point of departure.

Reference: USCG

Source: Maritime Shipping News