Search Continues for Missing Fishing Influencer Off Mexico

Mikey Rijavec, a popular fishing influencer from Ocean Beach, California, vanished Tuesday while fishing alone off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, prompting a multinational search effort that continues despite the U.S. Coast Guard suspending its involvement.

The 40-year-old YouTuber, known for his channel Fish and Sips with nearly 20,000 subscribers, was operating a 14-foot turquoise skiff about eight miles offshore when he issued a mayday call reporting engine trouble. Fellow anglers reached him by phone and attempted to provide guidance on troubleshooting the six-horsepower outboard motor, but the connection abruptly ended before they could offer further assistance. Rijavec, who frequently shared videos of his catches including large bluefin tuna, had last posted online on November 3.

By Thursday, searchers located the skiff five miles from shore, floating upside down and missing its engine. The discovery heightened concerns among Rijavec's friends and family, who noted the area's unpredictable weather and marine hazards. Private boat owners, along with aircraft and ground teams, joined the Mexican Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard in scouring the waters and nearby...