YouTube Angler Mikey Rijavec Found Dead After Mayday Call Off Baja California

The body of California fisherman and YouTube creator Mikey Rijavec was recovered near San Cristobal days after he issued a mayday while fishing off Baja California, his family said in an online update.

Rijavec, who created videos for the channel SD Fish and Sips, transmitted a mayday from his solo skiff on Nov. 11 at about 3 p.m. local time. Search teams, including Mexican authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard and local fishermen, launched an effort after his disappearance. The U.S. Coast Guard said the Mexican Navy is leading the investigation because the incident occurred in Mexican waters.

“As difficult as it is to accept this, we are grateful that it provides us some closure,” the family wrote. “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.”

The family said people from both countries and the local fishing community rallied to help. “Everyone poured everything into finding Mikey, because whether they knew him or not, they knew a son, a brother, a friend, a fisherman, a fellow human needed help,” the family added. They praised the selflessness shown during the search and thanked rescuers and volunteers for their efforts.

Rijavec’s relatives remembered him as mindful and present, qualities they said let him "live a longer life than can be measured on a calendar." They described his mission as spreading positive energy and lifting up those he met, and urged others to honor his example as they grieve and move forward.

The family’s update was posted on a GoFundMe page established after his disappearance. They asked for privacy while they continue to process the loss and expressed gratitude for the support shown by the community.