Two Syrian nationals accused of jumping ship — into Delaware River
Two Syrian nationals have been taken into custody after they allegedly jumped from a ship into the Delaware River to try to enter the United States.
Pennsville Police Chief Allen Cummings tells the South Jersey Times that the crewmembers jumped around 10 p.m. Tuesday.
One was taken out of the water by the U.S. Coast Guard. His name has not been released.
A second, 18-year-old Omar Khalef, was arrested by Pennsville police around 6 a.m. Wednesday. Cummings says Khalef was attempting to break into a construction vehicle on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property near the Kilcohook National Wildlife Refuge.
It’s not clear whether the men may be charged with any crimes. They’re in the custody of U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigators.
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