Gun-toting pirates, gang war threaten fishing boats on lake that straddles US-Mexico border

Pirates threaten boats on US-Mexico border lake

ZAPATA, Texas — A lake that sits on the U.S.-Mexico border is fighting to protect its reputation as a world-class bass fishing destination since state authorities warned of pirates in its waters.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says twice in recent weeks, fishermen on Falcon Lake have been robbed at gunpoint by marauders that the local sheriff says are “spillover” from fighting between rival Mexican drug gangs.

Boaters are concerned about their safety, and the president of the local Chamber of Commerce is trying to assure people that everything’s fine on the U.S. side of the lake.

Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez Jr. says people should still come to Falcon Lake, but they just need to stay on the U.S. side.