Fishing Influencer's Body found amid five-Day Search concludes in tragedy

Mikey Rijavec, prominent for his YouTube channel SD Fish and Sips, went missing on November, 11, after fishing off the coast of Baja California, Mexico.

After five days, the creator’s body was recovered on Sunday, Nov. 16, as per an update by his brother Gregory on a GoFundMe opened to raise money for search efforts.

Gregory in his GoFundMe update declared, “As we begin to process and reflect on what has happened over the last several days, it is clear what was at the core of the search for Mikey: love.” 

He continued, “It is time for the countless people involved in the search for Mikey to finally rest and begin to find peace.”

“Mikey’s body was found in the water near San Cristobal earlier today. As difficult as it is to accept this, we are grateful that it provides us some closure.”

According to NBC News, Mikey was fishing eight miles from the coast when he issued a mayday call reporting engine trouble, the call was suddenly disrupted and cut off.

The outlet reported that his boat, a 14-foot skiff, was retrieved five miles off the coast, but the six-horsepower outboard engine was not.

The ensuing five-day search included the U.S. Coast Guard, Mexican Navy, dozens of local boats, private planes, and ground crews, co-led by Mexican authorities and Mikey’s family.

The fans prayed for his safe home arrival but instead met with the tragic news and mourned. 

One of his close friend, Phil Friedman also added a post on Facebook.

“Mikey brought so much joy, laughter, and passion to the fishing community, and his absence leaves a huge void,” he captioned the post.