MISSION BEACH — Border Patrol Agents received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard notifying them of a panga boat that had washed ashore on the beach near El Carmel Place and Oceanfront Boulevard on Sept. 8 at approximately 4:45 a.m. When border patrol agents arrived the boat was empty, except for three fuel cans. They began searching the area and found several foot tracks leading away from the boat. “We assume it’s an organized human smuggling event,” said Border Patrol Agent Michael Jimenez. He stated that often these attempts are well coordinated and illegal aliens are able to quickly flee in situations like this. The panga was seized and taken away, Jimenez said.








