Marine Interdiction Agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Air and Marine Operations rescued a boater in distress in the Strait of Georgia on Sunday.
The agents, who are assigned to the Bellingham Marine Unit, were on patrol when they responded to a vessel in distress call.
Upon arrival, agents discovered a vessel taking on water and began to tow it to the Point Roberts Marina. While en route to the marina, the Coast Guards of the United States and Canada provided assistance by pumping water out of the vessel.
Shortly before arriving at the marina, the vessel regained power and the tow was discontinued. However, in the interest of safety, the agents continued to escort the vessel.
(Learn More about CBP Air and Marine Operations, courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and YouTube)
“This rescue demonstrates the commitment of CBP’s Marine Interdiction Agents to safeguarding our borders and keeping our nation and the boating community safe,” said Director of Marine Operations Michael Hoffman.
“It is also an excellent example of CBP’s partnership with both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.
CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
