A Homeland Security Department drone has crashed off the coast of Southern California.
Customs and Border Protection said the drone was being flown on a border security mission when a mechanical problem developed about 20 miles southwest of San Diego.
Spokesman Mike Friel said the crew operating the drone from Texas decided to crash it in the ocean.
The $18 million surveillance drone was one of 10 that Homeland Security uses to patrol the border with Mexico. It was just one of two Predator B drones equipped with radar specifically designed to be used over the ocean.
Friel said the cause of the mechanical failure is unknown.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
