GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. – On March 13, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Buffalo Station observed three subjects, on what appeared to be a stranded jet ski, stuck in the ice near the southern portion of Beaver Island State Park.
Two of the subjects were able to walk across the ice and reach the U.S. shoreline on Grand Island.
The third subject was rescued and brought to shore by the Grand Island Fire Department using ropes and a small inflatable rescue craft while U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations provided air support.
All of the subjects were evaluated by paramedics on scene and subsequently taken into custody. They were then transported to the Buffalo Border Patrol Station for further processing. The case as been referred to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
The investigation revealed that the operator of the Jet Ski is a citizen of Brazil and a current resident of Canada. The other two individuals who were allegedly being illegally smuggled into the U.S. are citizens of Spain and Brazil.
“I commend our agents for apprehending this smuggling attempt and our local partner agencies which responded and provided support and assistance,” said Patrol Agent in Charge Jeffrey Wilson from the Buffalo Border Patrol Station.
