Coastie killed off Channel Islands

[Celestialsailor]

USCG Crewman Killed at Channel Islands

December 5, 2012 – Channel Islands, Southern California

Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne III was killed Sunday by suspected smugglers off the Channel Islands.
© 2012 USCG / Lt. Stewart Sibert

US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne III, 34, was killed near the Channel Islands on Sunday when a panga driven by suspected smugglers rammed the inflatable that Horne and another crewmember were in, said the Coast Guard. The USCG cutter Halibut had been alerted by a C130 aircraft to the presence of a panga in the vicinity. Since the islands are known to be a popular drug and human smuggling drop-off point, Halibut moved to intercept.
Horne and a crewmate boarded a CG inflatable to give chase but, according to the Coast Guard, as they approached, the panga turned and rammed them at full speed, throwing both crewmen into the water. Another CG boat intercepted the panga and arrested the two suspects aboard. There was no comment on whether drugs were found.
Horne suffered a traumatic head injury and was pronounced dead when he was brought ashore. "Our fallen shipmate stood the watch on the front lines protecting our nation, and we are all indebted to him for his service and sacrifice," said Admiral Robert J. Papp, Coast Guard Commandant.

- latitude / ladonna

[boatsmith]

that sucks. my prayers for his family and my thanks for his service

[Snkr]

That is not cool, thank you CG for all you do.

[Ofer]

here is the criminal complaint. it has more detail than anything else I have seen.

Two men charged in killing of U.S. Coast Guard officer - Documents - Los Angeles Times

[captain58sailin]

My deepest condolances, to his crewmates, and family.

[Astrid]

....And some people wonder why CG and other law enforcement sometimes seem to expect the worse when stopping a boat at sea.

[capngeo]

R.I.P Sir

[Celestialsailor]

Where I am berthed I have 3 large CG cruisers across the estuary from me. They're a pretty tight branch of the Military. I have nothing but respect for their function.

[salticrak]

R.I.P these guys are like fire fighters at sea. Prohibition just does not work.

[storyinframes]

very sad to hear. R.I.P.

[Richard5]

This BS has been going on for a while now. The smugglers are becoming more bold, more daring. As for the comment about prohibition not working, this isn't solely about drug interdiction. The offshore route is a viable method for inserting illegal aliens into the USA. The criminal complaint in the linked article does mention human smuggling, Until intercept the nature of the activity is unknown. Even then it may not be obvious.

It is difficult to not see this as political since the feds are unwilling to tackle the issue in a meaningful way. It is that inaction, nay that tacit compliance which emboldens illegal activities.

Bringing an open boat several hundred miles north of the border to make landfall in the channel isalnds (a national marine sanctuary whereby landing permits are required) is quite a feat, a feat which implies the desperation of the criminal. And now another fed agent has lost his life.

Fair winds and following seas, sailor.

[DirtRdEarl]

The Coast Guard does an outstanding job. I think they are well trained and very professional. RIP Sir.

[mbianka]

So sad to hear those out there protecting our borders on land and sea seem to be getting killed more and more by thugs from other countries.

[Celestialsailor]

This is the other side of immigration reform. Every time I listen to a program on this issue, I hear how unfair it is that we are so hard on the undocumented workers (read: illegal aliens). Then there is the drug trafficking. Our cultural system has broken down since the 60s. Yes, I blame myself. There is a great hunger in the US for drugs. Supply and demand as the saying goes.
Most of these runners (mules) have no life other than this trade. It's easy to see why they do it.