Coast Guard Helicopter Rescues 15 Illegal Immigrants From Boat Adrift Off San Diego

Rescue swimmers helped the passengers get hoisted aboard the chopper. Illegal entry by boat has become more common in recent weeks, say officials.

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew in San Diego rescued 15 illegal immigrants from a wayward boat about 60 miles off the coast on March 11, 2025. U.S. Coast Guard

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued 15 illegal immigrants March 11 from a boat adrift off the southernmost coast of California, officials reported.

The boat was about 60 miles southwest of San Diego when an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew was dispatched to rescue the passengers Tuesday.