USCG Crewman Killed at Channel Islands

US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne III, 34, was killed near the Channel Islands on Sunday when a panga driven by suspected smugglers rammed the inflatable that Horne and another crewmember were in, said the Coast Guard. The USCG cutter Halibut had been alerted by a C130 aircraft to the presence of a panga in the vicinity. Since the islands are known to be a popular drug and human smuggling drop-off point, Halibut moved to intercept.

Horne and a crewmate boarded a CG inflatable to give chase but, according to the Coast Guard, as they approached, the panga turned and rammed them at full speed, throwing both crewmen into the water. Another CG boat intercepted the panga and arrested the two suspects aboard. There was no comment on whether drugs were found.

Horne suffered a traumatic head injury and was pronounced dead when he was brought ashore. "Our fallen shipmate stood the watch on the front lines protecting our nation, and we are all indebted to him for his service and sacrifice," said Admiral Robert J. Papp, Coast Guard Commandant.