The Coast Guard seized a Mexican-flagged vessel, known as a lancha, that was illegally fishing in U.S. waters four miles offshore of Brownsville, Texas, Thursday.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., crewmembers aboard a Coast Guard Station South Padre Island 33-foot Special Purpose Craft — Law Enforcement boat, spotted the vessel illegally fishing about one mile north of the U.S. and Mexico maritime border.
As the SPC—LE crew approached the vessel, the fishing vessel's crew energized its engines and began to evade the crew. Despite repeated warnings from the SPC—LE crew to stop, the fishing vessel continued to flee and rammed the Coast Guard vessel in an attempt to escape.
The SPC—LE crew were able to stop the vessel by severing its fuel line. There were no injuries to the fisherman or Coast Guard crew during the pursuit. Upon boarding the vessel, the crew of the SPC—LE found multiple shark, red drum and stingray onboard. .
The catch and vessel were turned over to the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife for the fisheries violations. Coast Guard Investigative Service agents arrested the Mexican operator of the vessel for a violation of federal criminal law for refusing to follow the SPC—LE crew's orders to stop.
The case is currently under investigation by CGIS and the U.S. Attorney's office for Southern District of Texas. The evidence package for the seizure has been forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service, who will determine if a formal notice of violation will be issued. ###
Coast Guard seized Mexican fishing vesselRelated Stories
- More Texas News
- National News
- International News
- Officials link E. coli outbreak to restaurant
- Divorce clause keeps lesbians from living together
- Man convicted of killing sons scheduled to testify
- Longview officer fatally shoots fleeing suspect
- Texas mother worried about torture, traffickers
- Texas district that axed sports may get new life
- Texas search team to help after Okla. twister
- Longview police officer, suspect injured in chase
- Man shot outside Houston-area bar fight dies
- Help could be available for uninsured West losses
- Goat on the lam snarls NJ's Pulaski Skyway traffic
- Oklahoma schools hit by tornado had no safe rooms
- Teachers credited with saving students in Okla.
- Police search for kidnapped girl; suspect found dead
- Key senator to let Myanmar sanctions bill lapse
- Decision time for Portland fluoridation
- Gay Fla. teen charged for underage girlfriend
- Afternoon Coverage Outlook
- 'Bishop' would-be pipe bomber gets 37 years
- 4 falcon chicks living on NY-NJ bridge are banded
- The pope and the devil: Is Francis an exorcist?
- Gay marriage bill clears UK House of Commons
- Brazil commission says abusers could be tried
- Gandhi's 'blood sample' fails to sell in Britain
- Algerian president leaves Paris military hospital
- Thousands of women protest death in Togo
- 2 Moroccans tried for homosexuality get 4 months
- Pope expresses solidarity with tornado survivors
- Egyptian troops mistakenly fire on a Sinai funeral
- China vice-premier arrives in Zimbabwe
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
Wedding Central
The greatest Southeast Texas story ever told. Share your wedding and engagement news!
Lost and Found Pets
These are pets that have been lost or found in the KFDM News Channel 6 viewing area.
No Text Zone
Texting While Driving Kills Thousands of People Each Year. Many More are Seriously Injured. You Can Help Make Our Roads a NO TEXT ZONE
Texas Lottery
Texas Lottery
Community Calendar
Check out our Community Calendar!
Baby Talk
Baby Talk with Nicole Murray.
KFDM Channel 6 Top Stories
Business News
Consumer News
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
"DANCING WITH THE STARS"
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Zendaya or Kellie Pickler will be winning the mirrorball trophy.
Get This
GW-GYM FLOOR
WASHINGTON (AP) -- George Washington University students will soon be walking all over the White House and the Capitol, too.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: iPHONE RECOVERED AFTER THEFT IN OREGON
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A smartphone, plus a not-so-smart criminal -- equals an arrest in Oregon.

