Ocotillo, California - Thursday, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to El Centro Station along with Bureau of Land Management rangers (BLM) rescued two distressed men whose vehicle had become stuck in sand in the desert west of the Superstition Mountains.

The incident began at approximately 3 p.m., when Border Patrol Radio Dispatch received a call from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) advising them of a 911 distress call from two men who stated that they were stuck in the desert west of Superstition Mountain and were out of water. 

Using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates from the man’s cell phone, ICSO was able to establish an approximate location of the men.  That location was provided to the El Centro Border Patrol agents and BLM rangers who collaborated in efforts to search the area for the men.

At approximately 4 p.m., agents were able to locate the two men and provided water.  Agents also assisted in extracting their vehicle that was stuck in deep sand.  Neither man requested medical attention and the scene was turned over to the BLM.

“This is another great example of the service the men and women of the United States Border Patrol provides to the public,” said El Centro Sector Chief Carla L. Provost.  “A lot of off-road recreational activities take place in and around the Superstition Mountains.  Our agents along with our other law enforcement partners were able to quickly locate these stranded men before their well-being deteriorated.”

Last fiscal year, El Centro Sector rescued more than 18 people.

The El Centro Sector’s Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats.  We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe.  Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at 1-800-901-2003.