Desperate Search for YouTube Fishing Star
A major search and rescue operation is underway off the coast of Baja California for a popular fishing influencer who has vanished. Mikey Rijavec, the man behind the successful 'SD Fish and Sips' YouTube channel, has not been heard from since Tuesday after issuing a mayday call.
Mayday Call and Overturned Boat
Rijavec was reportedly fishing approximately eight miles off the coast when he sounded the alarm. The situation took a grim turn when his distinctive turquoise boat was discovered a few miles away from his last known position. The vessel was found floating upside down, and its engine was missing, adding to the mystery of his disappearance.
According to reports from NBC, fellow fishermen were actually on the phone with Rijavec at the time, attempting to assist him with apparent engine trouble. The call then suddenly cut out, prompting immediate concern for his safety.
Community Rallies in Rescue Effort
The search for the missing influencer has drawn in a significant response. Both the US Coast Guard and the Mexican Navy have been involved, alongside private boat owners from the local community. Despite these extensive efforts, Rijavec remains missing.
His close friend, Phil Friedman, who is assisting in the search, expressed his fears to NBC, suggesting a range of tragic possibilities. "What could have happened? Oh my god, it’s endless," Friedman said. "It could be foul play. You never know, it’s something that happens at sea sometimes... it could be a whale, it could be a shark."
While Friedman admitted it would take a "miracle" to find Rijavec alive, hope has not been extinguished. "The hope is that Mikey was able to get off and swim to shore - maybe he’s exhausted, unconscious, maybe he’s on shore, that is our hope," he stated. "Stranger things have happened, there have been bigger miracles than this."
As the official US Coast Guard search has now concluded, handing over primary responsibility to Mexican authorities, Rijavec's brother, Gregory, has launched a GoFundMe campaign. The page aims to fund a continued private search, and it has already raised an impressive more than $40,000 from well-wishers and supporters.
In a statement on the fundraising page, Gregory said, "The local fishing community has rallied a tremendous search and rescue effort to bring Mikey home safe. We are scrambling to use all resources available including boats and aircraft. In order to escalate this effort we are welcoming donations to cover the cost of gas and pilots. Good vibes to Mikey and stay positive!"
