No. The smuggling ship was already known. It was watched by satellites as it was loaded. It was tracked when it sailed. This was abuse of SOF guys. It should have been handled by a 5 inch gun. And not squander the lives of those men. You worry about police style evidence? This isn’t a court case.
I didn’t know about the satellite observations and tracking. Was that reported? Or are you surmising?
Yes it was. There is no logical reason to send in SEALS outside of a hostage or similar situation. That ship/boat should have been intercepted and boarded in broad daylight, if it was to be boarded at all. Doesn't the USCG generally handle these interdiction's on any given day? WTH was this really about?