CARLSBAD, Calif. — San Diego Lifeguards and Border Patrol agents had a busy Wednesday as two boats they say were filled with migrants washed ashore in San Diego.
A panga boat was reportedly washed ashore near Ocean Street in Carlsbad around 9 a.m. When officers arrived, they said 17 life jackets were found on board the boat.
They searched the area, but no apprehensions were made.
Air and Marine Operations seized the vessel.
A 40-foot fishing boat was found on the shores of South Mission Beach just a short time later. Local lifeguards discovered the fishing boat at 3:30 p.m.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Special Operations Supervisor Eric C. Lavergne said witnesses reported seeing 25 people running toward homes on Mission Boulevard.
When Border Patrol agents responded to the area, they apprehended five adult male Mexican nationals.
The United States Border Patrol seized the vessel.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said smuggling attempts on the water are on the rise, despite being used for decades. 2,500 people were apprehended last year off of the San Diego Coast by local agents. About 660 migrants were apprehended in 2019.
Apprehensions at the border are also at a record-breaking high.
WATCH RELATED: Newsom: California is overwhelmed by immigrant crisis (Dec 12, 2022)