At least a dozen suspected migrants fled into a Newport Beach neighbourhood after a panga boat docked in the California coastal city and damaged a nearby yacht, surveillance footage shows.
The small vessel came ashore before the group dispersed on foot, leaving the boat behind. The incident has prompted mixed reactions from local residents and officials.
Footage shows people leaving the boat at the waterfront before making their way into the surrounding neighbourhood. The yacht was damaged during the docking, although the full extent of the damage was not immediately clear.
The abandoned vessel is now believed to be in the possession of the US Coast Guard, which is expected to examine it as part of the response to the suspected maritime crossing.
The incident has renewed concern in Newport Beach about boats being used to bring people ashore along the Southern California coast. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether any of those who fled were arrested.
