SAN DIEGO — San Diego Border Patrol agents were activated for a search and rescue mission Tuesday night after an 18-year-old Mexican national near the border was reportedly in medical distress.
At approximately 8 p.m., agents from the Brown Field Border Patrol Station were advised that an illegal alien in or near their area of responsibility was ill and possibly dehydrated. The exact location of the man and his three companions was not known precisely. Coordinating with Chula Vista agents in the adjoining area, the two groups took to the field, eventually pinpointing the location, which was approximately five miles northeast of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
A San Diego Sector Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team was activated and given the coordinates. When the team arrived at approximately 9:30 p.m., the man was in a state of shock and BORSTAR requested air evacuation services. Copter 1 from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department responded and transported the man to a nearby helicopter pad. Emergency medical services personnel were on standby at the pad and transferred the man to a local area hospital.
This is the second time in a week that agents responded to a medical emergency near the border. Last week Tuesday, agents were summoned to help a 40-year-old Mexican national who had fallen, hit her head, and was severely dehydrated.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. The U.S. Border Patrol also maintains strong partnerships with international law enforcement agencies to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in border communities. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.