The United States Coast Guard had a busy Sunday off the coast of Texas. The Coast Guard Stations in South Padre Island and Corpus Christi combined efforts to interdict five illegal fishing crews consisting of twenty-three Mexican fishermen. The illegal fishing took place north of the Maritime Boundary Line.
After intercepting the lancha crews, the Coast Guard sailors seized 900 pounds of red snapper and shark. They also confiscated the fishing gear and highflyers on the vessels.
Photo byUnited States Coast Guard
In a press release Lt. Shane Gunderson, commanding officer, of Station South Padre Island said, “Our Coast Guard crews remain committed to eliminating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in our nation’s sovereign waters. Through highly coordinated response efforts with our federal and state partners, we will continue to combat this environmental and economic threat.”
A lancha is a vessel used by Mexican fisherman. The boats are 20-30 feet long, have one outboard motor, and are normally painted white or blue to attempt to camouflage them. The boats are capable of speeds over 30 miles per hour.