SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — The Coast Guard has completed its investigation regarding the death of a female Mexican national in the Brownsville Ship Channel and the possible involvement of a Coast Guard 33 foot Special Purpose Craft - Law Enforcement small boat crew from South Padre Island.
The major incident investigation found that the undocumented migrant was unintentionally struck by a Coast Guard small boat on patrol April 23. The report further states that the undocumented migrant and a human smuggler were attempting to cross the commercial shipping channel undetected at night when she was struck.
"We are extremely saddened by this tragic loss of life," said Sector Corpus Christi Commander, Capt. Tony Hahn. "Our condolences go to the family who lost their loved one and all those involved in this tragic incident. As a life-saving organization, the Coast Guard will continue to actively patrol the Brownsville Ship Channel to prevent illegal activities and make the waterways safer for all users."
The major incident investigation report can be viewed at http://www.uscg.mil/foia/FOIA_Library.asp.