River News Now Breaking News Travel

Yuma, Arizona - Border Patrol agents assigned to Yuma Station assisted in rescuing nine illegal aliens attempting to swim across the Colorado River Wednesday morning.

At approximately 10:45 a.m., agents working near the Colorado River observed a large group of suspected illegal aliens swimming eastbound across the river from the International Boundary. Agents observed that several members of the group appeared to be either stranded on an island in the middle of the river or struggling to swim to it. Yuma Sector Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue team members entered the water and were able to safely retrieve nine individuals.

"I would like to thank all agents involved in this rescue effort for their quick response to a potentially life threatening situation," said Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson.

No subjects were injured during this incident. The group was transported to Yuma Station and processed for entry without inspection.