Feds investigate abandoned boat near Malibu
MALIBU, Calif. (AP) - Federal authorities were investigating whether an abandoned fishing boat found floating Wednesday off the coast north of Malibu was used to smuggle illegal immigrants and contraband.
The 32-foot boat, known as a panga, was discovered near rocks along Pacific Coast Highway just over the Ventura County border, said David Wales, agent in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security investigations in the area.
Eighteen fuel canisters were found on the open-hulled vessel along with life preservers, backpacks and other belongings.
"The boat did not have much in the way of amenities," Wale said. "It was a shell of a vessel and wouldn't be very safe on the open ocean."
Wales said the panga, which had two outboard engines, was similar to boats used in Southern California to transport drugs and illegal immigrants.
The Port Hueneme Police Department found no evidence of drugs on or near the boat, the Ventura County Star reported.
Wales said most smuggling vessels don't make it as far north as Ventura County. Last year a boat carrying illegal drugs was intercepted near Santa Rosa Island, off the Santa Barbara coast.
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http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/mar/...#ixzz1I9oSfUmY
- vcstar.com