NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — A U.S. Coast Guard boat on patrol off Newport Beach stopped a 20-foot boat taking on water with seven apparent Mexican nationals on board, authorities said Sunday.
The boat was spotted about 9 p.m. Saturday while the Coast Guard vessel was on routine patrol, according to a Coast Guard statement. The crew stopped the boat to board it.
“During the boarding, the crew identified seven suspected aliens aboard and discovered water intrusion in the bilge,” according to the statement. “They secured the flooding source and initiated a tow.”…