The federal Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agency thwarted an apparent attempt to smuggle seven illegal aliens into the U.S. on Aug. 29, three miles off the coast of Point Loma, according to a statement released by the CBP. The crew of a CBP “marine interdiction vessel” stopped an 18-foot boat carrying seven individuals after federal officials took special interest in the boat. Marine interdiction agents and CBP agents encountered the red and white Chris Craft Cavalier at about 5 p.m. during a routine patrol. Aboard the small boat were five females and two males — none of whom was carrying identification, according to federal investigators. CBP agents seized the boat and took the seven occupants to the CBP dock on Shelter Island, where U.S. Border Patrol agents further investigated the citizenship of the suspected illegal aliens, said officials. Agents discovered that all seven people aboard the Criss Craft Cavalier were from Mexico, ranging in age from 22 to 56. An investigation continues to determine who was responsible for the smuggling attempt.