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Seattle Fishing Vessel Aground in Prince William Sound
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SMALL BOAT CARRYING 21 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SEIZED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Posted by: James M. Beard
December 07, 2009
Topic: Marine Safety
A small 25 foot open skiff, (panga), carrying 21 illegal immigrants was stopped by U.S. Custom and Coast Guard officials 14 miles off La Jolla, California. The vessel tried to flee and avoid capture when spotted. The operator of the vessel was arrested and is anticipated to be charged as a smuggler. The overloaded boat had 20 men and one woman on board, all Mexican National citizens.
Illegal immigrants that attempt to gain access to the United States via vessel from Mexico are frequently subjected to dangerous and hazardous conditions. It is unknown how many men and women are lost each year in similar journeys. However, the danger does not stop when the illegal immigrants reach the United States and they may be forced into labor to continue to pay the smugglers fees.
Many illegal immigrants obtain fake identities and work under assumed names. The Alaska commercial fishing industry is well known as destination for such workers. When the ARCTIC ROSE sank it reportedly had three workers aboard working under assumed names and forged documents.
