The body of a missing San Diego fisherman popular on YouTube was found in waters off the coast of Mexico, the man’s family said in an update on GoFundMe.
Mikey Rijavec, known for his YouTube channel SD Fish and Sips, was on a fishing trip off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, on November 11 when he made a mayday call from his solo skiff, according to a post on the GoFundMe page.
Rijavec experienced engine issues with his boat, and while attempting to fix them, the motor dislodged, causing the boat to flip, according to the GoFundMe. While he was able to upright the skiff, it had taken on water.
“We know nothing about what happened to Mikey after that,” the GoFundMe said.
Authorities from both the U.S. and Mexico joined the search and rescue efforts, using both boats and aircraft to look for Rijavec. According to GoFundMe, local boats and private planes hired by the family were also used in the search.
The U.S. Coast Guard said the case was transferred to the Mexican Navy and did not have any updates when asked by NBC News. The Mexican Navy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Rijavec’s family ended the search for him on Nov. 15, his brother wrote on GoFundMe, and said that despite “missing pieces and details to be confirmed” about Rijavec’s disappearance, “those directly involved in the search have had access to the information as it was available and exhausted every effort.”
The man’s boat was recovered during the four-day search, but efforts to locate his body proved unsuccessful at first.
Rijavec’s body was ultimately found on Sunday, one day after his family ended the search, in the water near San Cristobal, his brother said on GoFundMe.
“Mikey was mindful and present every day, and that allowed him to live a longer life than can be measured on a calendar,” the GoFundMe said. “Mikey prepared us to deal with this, and if we live by his example, we will not only be OK, we will be better.”
