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Coast Guard intercepts Asian migrants
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Posted on Dec 16 1999
A Coast Guard cutter intercepted a 200-foot freighter suspected of smuggling undocumented Asian migrants in international waters approximately 200 nautical miles west of Guatemala Thursday.
The Coast Guard Cutter Munro on routine patrol spotted emergency red flares in the vicinity of the vessel. The Munro proceeded to investigate the distress. Crewmembers from the distressed vessel, Wing Fung Lung, stated the vessel was taking on water and that people were abandoning ship. The cutter Munro dispatched a rescue and assistance team on a small boat to recover the people in the water.
Once on scene, the small boat reported that the Wing Fung Lung was overcrowded with people. The rescue and assist team boarded the vessel and determined that the vessel was not taking on water. Crewmembers observed a large number of people of Asian descent aboard and living in deplorable conditions.
The people on board reportedly were without food and water for two days. The crewmembers also reported that the vessel was disabled and adrift. Crewmembers from the Munro provided food, water and necessary medical attention to those on board the Wing Fung Lung.
The cutter Munro escorted the vessel to the nearest safe harbor in Central America. The nationality of the people and the vessel’s registry is not known at this time.
The Coast Guard’s primary concern is the safety of those on board. Final disposition of this case is pending.
The Munro is a 378-foot high endurance cutter homeported in Alameda, Calif.
