Border Patrol rescues man from drowning

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents rescued a man from drowning east of Calexico last Thursday morning.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the incident happened at around 8:45 a.m. Agents patrolling near the All-American Canal noticed a man in distress in the water. Authorities said agents could see the man was wearing a life vest but was too exhausted to swim to the canal’s banks.

A Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team responded to the scene and were able to pull the man to safety. After the man was out of the water, CBP officials said he presented symptoms of hypothermia. Paramedics began to treat the man who was later transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

“This type of professionalism and capability is an example the dedication Border Patrol agents have when protecting human life,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “I am very proud to represent El Centro Sector including the men and women of BORSTAR.”

CBP said this is the second rescue made during the current fiscal year, which began on October 1, by El Centro Sector Border Patrol.