Baja California, Mexico – Authorities are continuing their search for Mikey Rijavec, a well-known fishing influencer who vanished after issuing a mayday call roughly eight miles off the coast on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The incident has drawn widespread attention from viewers of his YouTube channel SD Fish and Sips, as well as regional authorities on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border.
Mayday Call Abruptly Ended Before Rescue
According to NBC News, Rijavec radioed for help while reporting engine trouble, but the transmission cut off unexpectedly. Search teams later located his 14-foot skiff approximately five miles offshore; however, the six-horsepower outboard engine was missing, raising additional questions about what occurred before he disappeared.
Rijavec was fishing alone at the time, and authorities have not ruled out any possible scenarios.
Influencer Known for Adventure and a Loyal Following
Rijavec runs the growing YouTube channel SD Fish and Sips, where he posts weekly fishing content for nearly 20,000 subscribers. His last upload was on Nov. 3. Friends describe him as a passionate outdoorsman who often sought out challenging fishing environments and remote coastal areas.
Podcaster Phil Friedman, a close friend, told NBC 7:
“It could be foul play. You never know, it’s something that happens at sea sometimes. It could be a whale. It could be a shark.”
Calling Rijavec an “adventurer” who frequently “pushes the envelope,” Friedman said the situation has stunned the fishing community and those who follow the influencer’s work.
Large-Scale Search Efforts Underway
A widespread, multi-agency search effort remains in motion. Rijavec’s brother, Gregory Rijavec, created a GoFundMe page to support continued searching. He wrote that dozens of local boats, private planes, ground teams, the Mexican Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard have all joined the operation.
In a recent update on the fundraising page, Gregory said the family had received “additional details” from the Mexican Navy that prompted search crews to shift their attention to sweeping local beaches in hopes of finding new clues.
Community Response and Growing Concern
As the search enters additional days with no confirmed sightings, social media has amplified the story, leading to an outpouring of support from fans, local residents, and fellow anglers.
Gregory wrote on the GoFundMe page:
“The outpouring of support really says a lot about Mikey and his impact. Thank you for all the love and support. Today and everyday, stay positive.”
Rijavec’s disappearance has also raised broader concerns among those familiar with ocean conditions near Baja California, an area known for sudden weather shifts, rough surf, and wildlife encounters.
Authorities Continue Investigating All Possibilities
Officials have not identified a specific cause behind the disappearance. With the missing boat engine, the sudden end to the mayday call, and environmental factors all on the table, investigators are examining every scenario—from mechanical failure to unexpected marine hazards.
Search operations will continue as authorities, family members, and volunteers remain hopeful for a breakthrough.
