BP, MCAS unit rescue 6 near Mohawk Mountains

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents worked together with the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Search and Rescue Unit to rescue six people in distress near the Mohawk Mountains on Tuesday, officials with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release states that the Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Wellton Station and Special Operations Detachment responded to a call for assistance from six subjects at approximately 7:12 a.m.

Three of the six persons were located by agents at the base of Mohawk Mountains while three others were located on a high mountain peak.

After agents located the persons, the Yuma Sector Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue agents responded and medically evaluated those found, treating them for dehydration, the release said.

According to the release, agents also identified a need for an airlift and called the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma for assistance.

“One individual was transported to a local hospital for additional medical treatment,” the release said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said that the six men, from Mexico and Honduras, are now safe and will be processed for illegal entry into the United States.

“Rescues increase each summer as the U.S. Border Patrol conducts its federal law enforcement mission,” the release states. “Apprehensions become lifesaving endeavors for the agents responding to those in need, found in distress, contacting 911 or hitting one of numerous rescue beacons.

Persons considering crossing the U.S. border illegally should be aware that this decision is more than criminal, it could be deadly. In remote areas, it can take days or weeks of walking to reach any form of civilization.”

The release shows that Yuma Sector’s Special Operations Detachment is comprised of certified special operations agents from the Special Operations Group-the Border Patrol Search Trauma & Rescue Unit and the Border Patrol Tactical Unit.