| Public Affairs Detachment San Diego, Calif. U.S. Coast Guard |
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| Media Release | Date: October 4, 2005 Contact: Ensign Andrew Young |
COAST GUARD CUTTER HAMILTON RETURNS FROM 90-DAY COUNTER NARCOTICS PATROL SAN DIEGO - A San Diego-based U.S. Coast Guard cutter returned home Monday after completing a 90-day counter narcotics patrol. During the patrol, the 378-foot USCGC Hamilton boarded and seized four go-fast vessels suspected of drug smuggling. The seizure resulted in the confiscation of more than 12.5 tons of cocaine and the detention of 23 people. The descriptions of the seizures are: * On August 20, 2005, with assistance of an embarked MH-68 Stingray helicopter, from Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) Jacksonville, Fla., Hamilton seized approximately 2.5 tons of cocaine and five individuals suspected of drug smuggling. * On September 17, 2005, Hamilton seized approximately 6.5 tons of cocaine from a vessel and detained nine individuals on suspicion of drug smuggling. * On September 19, 2005, Hamilton launched the embarked HITRON in coordination with a U.S. Navy asset. The result was the seizure of a go-fast vessel with approximately 2.5 tons of cocaine and the detention of four more people suspected of drug smuggling. Hamilton also responded to a distress call originating from the Colombian-flagged fishing vessel El Vimar. Hamilton arrived on scene to find the El Vimar taking on water and eight crew members bailing water from the vessel. Hamilton’s small boat crew rescued the crew members just as the fishing vessel began to list heavily. The Hamilton later rendezvoused with a Columbian Navy vessel to transfer the survivors for return to their country. For more information contact Ensign Andrew Young, USCGC Hamilton public affairs officer, at (858)-729-3279 mobile. |
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