The American Coast Guard and the Navy saved 17 migrants and an American from a disabled ship drifting about 80 kilometers from the San Diego coast on Sunday.
The ship was taking water and asked for help just before 8 a.m., the coast guard said in a statement. The 35-foot boat was found in international waters about 50 miles southwest of San Diego.
The 18 occupants of the boat were loaded in an inflatable navy boat, then transported by plane to the San Diego Coast Guard sector.
The occupants were transferred to the Ministry of Internal Security.
California Daily Newspapers