SANTA BARBARA: Three fishermen found a suspected smuggling boat submerged off the coast of Gaviota but by the end of the day, one of the fishermen ended up in handcuffs.
Since the boat, also known as a panga, is the type that is used to bring up drugs and sometimes people from Mexico, Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, Santa Barbara Police and Harbor Patrol helped escort the fishermen towing the boat, back to Santa Barbara.
Eric Bjorklund thought it was going to just another day at sea when he left for San Miguel Island in search for sea urchins.
“I hopped in there with a bucket and got all the water out and it started floating up perfect,” said Josh Brockway, a fisherman on the boat.
The men tied the boat to their vessel and started to tow it in when a Coast Guard helicopter circled overhead.
“There was some gas cans all over the area,” said Brockway. “(Law enforcement) said there were marijuana bales floating around but we didn’t see that.”
Bjorkland estimated the 30 foot boat is worth around $40,000 including the two new motors. He said he claimed the boat under maritime law.
Claiming salvage rights, he refused to give up the vessel to authorities and was arrested.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s officials said it turns out his prize is considered evidence.
