A popular fishing influencer was found dead in Mexican waters after a dramatic mayday call. The man, Mikey Rijavec, runs the “Fish and Sips” YouTube channel and has more than 20,000 subscribers who love his solo‑skiff fishing videos.
On the afternoon of Nov. 11 he was eight miles off the coast of Baja California, fishing when his engine stopped. He phoned for help and sent a mayday signal that caught the attention of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Mexican Navy.
His boat—a bright turquoise skiff—was spotted upside‑down five miles from the shore on Thursday, and the U.S. Coast Guard ended its search Friday, handing the operation over to Mexican authorities. By Sunday, a GoFundMe update from his brother Gregory Rijavec confirmed that Mikey’s body had been recovered near San Cristobal.
“We’re grateful for this closure, even though it’s heartbreaking,” Gregory wrote for the fundraiser. “Everyone helped because they knew he was a son, brother, friend, fisherman, and human in need.”
Searchers and friends still wonder what happened. Phil Friedman, a friend on the hunt, said the possibilities range from foul play to an unexpected encounter with a whale or shark. The U.S. Coast Guard has not commented on the possible causes.
Mikey’s followers flooded his latest Instagram post with messages of grief, remembering him as a skilled angler who shared the thrill of the catch with millions. His story continues to resonate with his community of fishing enthusiasts and social‑media fans across the world.
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