Alleged smuggler injured during Coast Guard pursuit at sea off Point Loma

Two suspected smugglers aboard a high-performance water scooter fled when a U.S. Coast Guard vessel approached them in the ocean south of Point Loma this week, resulting in a maritime pursuit that ended with both suspects in custody and one injured, officials reported Thursday.

Personnel aboard the Coast Guard cutter Sea Otter detected the personal watercraft crossing into U.S. waters about 5:45 a.m. Wednesday and sent out a boat crew to intercept it, according to Coast Guard officials.

Spotting the government vessel, the pilot of the water scooter accelerated away, “conducting erratic and dangerous maneuvers,” and the Coast Guard crew gave chase, officials said.

During the pursuit, the Coast Guard personnel fired two flashbang-style stun grenades in an attempt to gain the suspects’ compliance, leaving one of them with an arm injury, according to the agency.

The Coast Guard crew eventually caught up with the personal watercraft, took the suspects into custody and provided first-aid to the injured one. Upon reaching shore, the personnel transferred the patient to paramedics, who took the suspect to a hospital in undisclosed condition.

Both suspects were released to the custody of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The Coast Guard did not disclose what type of smuggling the two suspects were believed to be engaged in.