Record CG lancha interdictions

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement crews have interdicted a record-breaking number of Mexican lancha fishing boats throughout the Gulf of Mexico so far in FY 2020. Since October, CG assets and personnel have detected 176 lanchas, interdicting 106. Since the first recorded lancha interdiction in the late 1980s, the CG has seen a significant uptick in detection of these boats, particularly in the past three years, recording a seasonal record of 74 interdictions during the same time frame in FY-19. The CG utilizes aircraft, small boats and cutters as well as improved technology that are resulting in the drastic increase of lancha interdictions, according to Lt. Kurt Mees, CG Station South Padre Island, Texas, commanding officer. A lancha is a 20-to-30 foot fishing boat used by Mexican fishermen. Lanchas pose a threat, usually entering the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone near the U.S.-Mexico border in the Gulf of Mexico, with the intent to smuggle people, drugs or poach the U.S. natural resources. If you witness suspicious activity or illegal fishing occurring in federal waters (out to 200 miles) contact the U.S. Coast Guard at (361) 939-0450. (Source: Coast Guard 06/08/20)