Body of San Diego Fisherman Mikey Rijavec Recovered Off Baja Coast

The body of San Diego fisherman and YouTuber Mikey Rijavec was recovered from waters off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, on November 16, five days after he issued a mayday call reporting engine trouble during a solo fishing trip.

Rijavec, known for his YouTube channel SD Fish and Sips, was fishing alone from a 14-foot Solo Skiff about eight miles offshore near Bahía Asunción when the incident occurred on November 11 around 3 p.m. local time. According to his family, he radioed for help as his six-horsepower outboard motor malfunctioned. While attempting to repair it, the motor dislodged, causing the vessel to capsize. Rijavec managed to right the skiff and began paddling, but it had already taken on significant water. Contact with him ended abruptly during the call, in which fellow anglers had tried to offer guidance over the phone.

An extensive search ensued, involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Mexican Navy, local fishermen, private boats, aircraft, and ground teams coordinated by Mexican authorities. Rijavec's turquoise skiff was located upside down on November 14, drifting about five miles from shore north of the initial site, though the engine was missing. The U.S. Coast...