The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted an illegal fishing crew from Mexico near South Padre Island on Monday afternoon during a routine patrol.
A USCG aircrew spotted the four-member crew aboard a 25-foot lancha about 30 miles off of South Padre Island and 18 miles north of the maritime border, according to a news release.
The vessel was at anchor with its outboard engine out of the water and had fishing gear aboard. The crew members were turned over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.
On Sunday and last Friday, the USCG also interdicted lanchas.
Since Oct. 1, 2013, 85 lanchas have been spotted, all of which are suspected of illegally poaching in U.S. waters. The USCG has seized 27 boats and chased 33 south across the maritime border.
