Mikey Rijavec, the Ocean Beach fisherman and YouTube creator behind SD Fish and Sips, is missing after issuing a mayday while fishing off Baja California. His small solo skiff was later recovered empty, and San Diego friends have mobilized boats and aerial searches in the days since.
Rijavec radioed distress around 2:30 PM Tuesday, roughly eight miles offshore; fellow anglers tried to assist with reported engine trouble before his call abruptly cut off. Hours later, his 14-foot skiff was found about five miles from shore with its six-horsepower outboard motor missing, and the U.S. Coast Guard launched search operations before turning the case over to Mexican authorities, according to NBC 7 San Diego.
Search Effort And Local Response
Private boat owners, the Mexican Navy, and U.S. assets have joined the push while local fishermen and volunteers comb coastal coves and nearby islands, according to Telemundo 20. The outlet reports the search entered a third day as family members coordinate privately with crews on the water.
Family Fundraiser And Neighbors Rally
Rijavec's brother, Gregory, organized a GoFundMe to cover fuel, pilot, and search costs; the page shows $41,458 raised toward a $40,000 goal, according to GoFundMe. Friends and neighbors have posted pleas for information and joined search efforts; Phil Friedman told NBC 7 San Diego that "He's an adventurer. He pushes the envelope," while others described Rijavec as a "really nice guy" whose passion was fishing.
His Channel And Community Footprint
Rijavec ran the SD Fish and Sips channel, documenting solo-skiff runs across Southern California and Baja; his site details the Solo Skiff setup he used. Fishing outlet BDOutdoors has featured his video fish reports in the past, underscoring his standing in the local angling community, according to SD Fish and Sips and BDOutdoors.
What Comes Next
Authorities continue their response as volunteers continue to search the shoreline and nearby islands. Friends say they’ll stay on the water while the family coordinates resources and asks for privacy.
