WASHINGTON (AP) — A Homeland Security Department drone has crashed off the coast of Southern California.

Customs and Border Protection says 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 says 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.


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