UPDATE: California fishing influencer and YouTuber Mikey Rijavec is missing after a distressing mayday call off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. Search operations involving the U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican Navy are ongoing, but efforts have yet to locate the 31-year-old angler, whose overturned turquoise boat has been discovered.
The mayday call was made on Tuesday, prompting immediate search efforts from both nations due to the proximity to the U.S. coastline. As of now, the Coast Guard has officially ended its search, leaving the Mexican Navy to continue recovery operations. Officials maintain hope that Rijavec might have survived and made it to shore.
“The hope is that Mikey was able to get off, swim to shore. Maybe he’s exhausted, unconscious, or perhaps he’s on shore—that is our hope,” stated a search coordinator.
Search teams reported finding Rijavec’s boat floating upside down, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Friends and family are fearing the worst, with one friend remarking, “What could have happened? Oh my god, it’s endless.” The potential for foul play has also been speculated, with discussions about marine wildlife such as whales or sharks coming into play.
The situation is urgent, as authorities have indicated that typically, search and rescue operations last up to 72 hours. However, the emotional weight of Rijavec’s popularity as a beloved influencer has led to a call for extended efforts. “I guarantee it will be extended by all those people who love Mikey so much,” one official noted.
This incident highlights the risks associated with open-water activities, especially for influencers known for their adventurous lifestyles. As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome.
Developments are rapidly unfolding, and anyone with information regarding Mikey Rijavec’s whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities. Stay tuned for more updates as this story evolves.
