The Coast Guard rescued five people off the coast of Texas on Tuesday after their boat began to sink.
A sentry plane from the Coast Guard Air Station in Corpus Christi reported seeing four lancha crews allegedly fishing illegally near Corpus Christi on August 16.
A lancha is a slender fishing boat, approximately 20 to 30 feet long, with one outboard motor. It is capable of reaching speeds of 30 mph or more. Lanchas are commonly used to transport illegal narcotics into the U.S. and to illegally fish in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, according to the Coast Guard.
Two lanchas were approximately 12 miles north of the Maritime Boundary Line, and two crews were approximately 5 miles north of the Maritime Boundary Line.
When the Coast Guard Station South Padre Island launched their own boat to intercept the lanchas, they discovered one of them was sinking, and five fishermen were in the water.
“This case illustrates the dynamic mission set of Station South Padre Island,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Alfredo Benavidez. “The original mission, protection of natural resources, quickly shifted to search and rescue. Fortunately, my crew and I were able to quickly and effectively save five lives and protect our natural resources and ecosystem from illegal poaching.”
The five men were apprehended and taken to border agents, the Coast Guard reports.
In two separate incidents last month, four people were rescued by the Coast Guard from an overturned kayak and jet ski near South Padre Island, Texas.
Coast Guard Station South Padre Island received a report from the operator of a vessel at 3:22 p.m. on July 8, stating that a nearby kayaker had flipped over and needed assistance.
Using a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Shallow Water boat, the Coast Guard crew arrived on the scene and rescued a female kayaker from the water. The team returned her to the station, where emergency medical personnel evaluated her and cleared her to return to her party.
Later the same day, at 4:45 p.m., Station South Padre Island watchstanders noticed a capsized jet ski and three people in the water. Another 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement boat crew arrived on the scene, rescued the three individuals in the water, re-righted the jet ski, and escorted the individuals to Isla Blanca Marina.
“When kayaking or riding on a jet ski, you are more exposed to the elements and may be at higher risk of falling into the water,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Benjamin Charles, coxswain at Station South Padre Island. “The best way to minimize this risk is by wearing a life jacket while enjoying all water sports.”