Smugglers ram Coast Guard boat, kill one

Drug smugglers off the Southern California coast rammed a US Coast Guard vessel, injuring one and killing another.

Terrell Horne III of Redondo Beach suffered a traumatic brain injury, the Associated Press reported. He was later pronounced dead at the Port of Hueneme.

"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," Coast Guard commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp said in a statement.

He added, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our shipmate. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, and his shipmates aboard Coast Guard Cutter Halibut."

Two suspects are in custody.

Los Angeles CBS local news reports the smugglers boat, running at high speed, struck the Coast Guard's boat, throwing two men to the water. The smugglers were soon caught by another Coast Guard vessel.

The Coast Guard was investigating drug activity in the area.