Eighteen individuals have been rescued from a damaged motorboat discovered roughly 16 miles southwest of San Diego, in worldwide waters close to the U.S.-Mexico border, authorities stated. The passengers on board included not less than two younger kids — a 2-year-old lady and 4-year-old boy — based on the U.S. Coast Guard.
The passengers stated they have been stranded and drifting at sea for 5 days previous to their rescue, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard stated in a press release to CBS Information. The group advised authorities that they didn't have meals or water.
The Coast Guard responded to a report on Wednesday afternoon from somebody on one other vessel who noticed a motorboat that gave the impression to be disabled with individuals on board who "have been actively attempting to flag down" the passerby, the spokesperson stated.
A helicopter crew arrived on the scene round 4 p.m., based on the spokesperson, and loaded as many individuals into the helicopter as it might carry earlier than touring again to San Diego.
In complete, the Coast Guard stated it rescued seven individuals, together with the 2 kids. The remaining 11 passengers have been rescued by a Mexican Navy ship, based on the spokesperson. Of the passengers rescued by the Coast Guard, three have been taken to the hospital "on account of being dehydrated, hungry and chilly," the spokesperson stated, including that every one have been in secure situation on Thursday.