BajaNomad

Mexican Boat "Erik" Capsizes

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dizzyspots - 7-6-2011 at 10:31 AM

recent report over at a BOLA site, stated that some of the survivors had drifted that far south?

mtgoat666 - 7-6-2011 at 10:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dizzyspots
recent report over at a BOLA site, stated that some of the survivors had drifted that far south?


what site? got a link?

dizzyspots - 7-6-2011 at 10:45 AM

Goat here's where I saw it...

www.bahiadelosangeles.info

BajaNews - 7-6-2011 at 11:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dizzyspots
Goat here's where I saw it...

www.bahiadelosangeles.info


http://findourfathers.blogspot.com

Search continues for missing Americans from capsized fishing boat

BajaNews - 7-6-2011 at 11:56 AM

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/05/search-contin...

By Sandra Dibble and Michael Gardner
July 5, 2011

Survivors of the Erik boat capsizing met Tuesday with Baja California officials, including state Gov. José Guadalupe Osuna Millán. / Photo courtesy of Baja California government

Mexican authorities on Tuesday held out hope of finding survivors in the Gulf of California’s warm waters, uninhabited islets or isolated stretches of coastline, more than two days after a fishing vessel sank with 43 people aboard. Seven passengers, all U.S. citizens, were still missing.

Calling it “the region’s worst tragedy of its kind in recent years,” Baja California Gov. José Guadalupe Osuna Millán traveled to the port of San Felipe to meet with survivors of the capsized boat — 19 American passengers and 16 Mexican crew members. Accompanying him was Steven Kashkett, the U.S. consul general for Baja California, and Mexican navy Rear Adm. Jorge Rubén Bustos Espino.

“Every minute, every hour, every day that passes decreases the possibility that the missing can be found in good health,” Osuna said in a news conference. “The No. 1 priority is locating the missing people. A second phase will be documenting the causes of the capsizing and the operating condition of the vessel.”

Bustos said the protocol for this type of incident is to search for at least 96 hours. Under current conditions in the gulf, also known as the Sea of Cortez, the missing could survive for about that period of time, according to U.S. Coast Guard officials.

The sea was calm Tuesday and the water temperature was 78 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Baja Sportfishing Inc., which chartered the vessel, could not be reached for comment since Sunday. The state Franchise Tax Board has suspended the company — barring it from operating in California — since 2001 because it did not file tax returns between 1996 and 2000 and still owes more than $6,500 in taxes, said spokesman Daniel Tahara. The business is prohibited from using its name, cannot enter into or enforce contracts and forfeits all rights in lawsuits while under suspension, he said.

Baja Sportfishing lists an office in the Old Town neighborhood of San Diego, but it was unclear Tuesday whether the company still has a valid city business license.

The company’s website said all fishing tours have been canceled because of the accident.

In San Felipe, the Mexican navy has been leading the search-and-rescue efforts, with assistance from Mexican state and local agencies and the Coast Guard. On Tuesday, the Coast Guard sent a C-130 Hercules plane to the area. The fixed-wing aircraft can travel farther than the helicopter that it had originally used for the mission.

Mexico’s foreign secretary, Patricia Espinosa, also has requested the help of a scuba diving team from San Diego to search the wreckage of the boat, which is resting more than 200 feet underwater about 60 miles south of San Felipe.

U.S. and Mexican authorities confirmed the identity of the one fatality known so far, Leslie K. Yee, who came with friends for the six-day trip aboard the Erik, a 115-foot vessel. The medical examiner’s office in San Felipe confirmed that he drowned.

On Saturday, the weather was clear when the vessel left San Felipe about noon and headed south. Survivors said a storm came up suddenly, with intense winds increasing after midnight. About 2 a.m., two successive large waves caused the boat to list and then capsize, they said.

Rimah Khouri of San Diego said she was with friends at her family’s beach house near the site of the sinking. Sleeping on an outdoor deck outside because of the heat, they were awakened by heavy winds about 1 a.m. Sunday and ran inside for shelter.

“We heard the waves crashing harder than I’ve ever seen them. The thing came out of nowhere,” Khouri said. “It was a beautiful, gorgeous day, and the last thing I would expect is some kind of freakish gale. It just came forcefully and then it died down.”

Fishermen from the region call the sudden winds toritos (little bulls) or chubasco (severe squall). “They appear suddenly and unexpectedly,” said Octavio Aburto-Oropeza, a researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla.

The Gulf of California is separated from the Pacific Ocean by the Baja California peninsula. Aburto-Oropeza said the unpredictable winds most often occur during a change of season, which can bring sudden shifts in temperature and atmospheric pressure — especially in areas of the peninsula without mountains to act as barriers.

“They come like mini-hurricanes,” said Capt. José Luis Ríos, the harbor master of Ensenada. He has sailed extensively in the gulf and said the storms cover small areas.

A tragedy similar to the Erik incident happened in March 2000 outside of Bahia de Los Angeles in the gulf. Five people died when a small motorboat with University of California Davis researchers aboard capsized. Survivors said heavy waves driven by winds up to 30 miles per hour forced the craft to turn over.

Capsized fishing boat survivors tell of ordeal

BajaNews - 7-6-2011 at 12:05 PM

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0706-capsize-2011070...

By Richard Marosi
July 6, 2011

Reporting from San Diego -- Tossed from the capsized boat into the churning sea, Michael Ng clung to an ice cooler and started paddling toward an island off Baja California. But the current was dragging him and two others farther into the Gulf of California, sapping their strength.

That's when they reached into the cooler and got lucky: It was filled with candy.

"We survived the night on Hershey's Kisses and milk chocolate bars," Ng said. "And strength in God."

Ng was among 43 people aboard a fishing excursion boat that capsized early Sunday, sending all of the passengers and crew overboard and turning a holiday trip into a harrowing ordeal of fortitude and tragedy.

Thirty-five crew members and passengers survived after paddling or swimming 16 hours to shore or being rescued by Mexican fishermen and Navy boats, but seven U.S. tourists remain missing. Another passenger, Leslie Kimwah Yee, 64, was found dead on a desolate beach, according to Mexican and U.S. officials.

Hopes of finding survivors dimmed Tuesday. Search teams from the U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican Navy were scheduled to dive down to the boat, the Erik, to see if the missing people had been trapped on board, according to Mexican officials.

Relatives of the missing spent the Fourth of July and Tuesday trying to piece together their loved ones' last seconds on the boat. Joellene Bautista of Sonoma County said her husband, Russell, was seen scrambling to get off by his friend, Jim Miller. But he hasn't been found.

"Jim saw him put on a life vest and inflate it…. He was in the process of snapping the buckle," Bautista said.

The six-day excursion had become a traditional outing for the passengers, most of whom are from the Bay Area and Central Valley. They set sail Saturday from San Felipe, a scenic town popular with U.S. retirees and sport fishermen who enjoy the rich fisheries in the Gulf of California.

But within hours, a freak storm descended on the boat near Gonzaga Bay, about 80 miles south of San Felipe. Dotted by arid, rocky islands, the area is known as the wind tunnel because of the westerly squalls that whip down from the craggy mountains.

Hector Rubio, one of the boat's engine room mechanics, said clouds gathered about 1:30 a.m., lightning filled the sky and gale-force winds started blowing. "We call them bull [winds] because they hit without warning," he said.

Giant waves thrashed the deck, sending streams of water into the open hold and several small skiffs. The passengers were rousted awake as the105-foot vessel started listing. "We sounded the alarms, and I told some crew members to wake up the passengers on the lower and upper decks," Rubio said. "Then another wave hit and next thing you know, we're in the water."

Some people scrambled atop two life rafts, others hung onto ice coolers or stayed afloat on their life vests. Many paddled through the night, morning and afternoon to reach an island sheltered by rocky points.

Ng, a 43-year-old IT manager from the Bay Area city of Belmont, said the storm passed quickly, leaving clear skies and warm waters. The chocolates they found in the cooler gave them a much-needed energy boost to keep fighting the current. Nobody said much as they paddled through the night and morning.

"We tried to keep calm, and didn't think about anything else except paddling," Ng said.

Mexican fisherman rescued them Sunday afternoon, Ng said, after about 16 hours on the open sea. Fishermen from nearby villages were the first to encounter the survivors and alerted the Mexican Navy, which sent boats, planes and helicopters that helped rescue many of the others.

On Tuesday, Ng and the other badly sunburned survivors met with Baja California Gov. Guadalupe Osuna Millan and other government officials, whom they credited for mobilizing the large search effort.

Ng said most of the survivors have opted to stay at a San Felipe hotel to await word on the fate of the other fishermen. "Some of my friends are missing, and everybody is pretty concerned," he said. The waters are warm though, and Ng said his friends could survive if they can stay hydrated.

"I think they're still alive," he said.

Rubio, the engine room mechanic, isn't so sure. He remembers seeing crew members hand out many life vests but doesn't know if the passengers on the upper decks got out in time. "It was all so fast. Imagine how many tons of water hit the boat," he said. "And after the second wave hit, we couldn't do anything."

He blamed los toros, the bulls in Spanish, referring to the Baja gales: "They are very fierce."

DENNIS - 7-6-2011 at 12:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNews
That's when they reached into the cooler and got lucky: It was filled with candy.


:?::?: Waste of a perfectly good cooler.

Group aboard capsized Baja fishing boat were friends and relatives

BajaNews - 7-6-2011 at 12:36 PM

http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_18411072?

By Julia Prodis Sulek, Jeanine Benca and Maria J. Ávila López
07/05/2011

They all looked so happy standing there in flip-flops and Bermuda shorts on the Mexican beach of San Felipe, six Bay Area buddies with broad smiles about to head out on what was supposed to be one of the best fishing trips of their lives.

Don Lee, of San Ramon, 62, who organized the trip that included a total of 27 friends and relatives, wore a Panama hat and gave the camera a thumbs-up sign, as if they would encounter nothing but smooth sailing and plentiful fish.

But little more than a day later, the picture turned into a haunting image, with one of them dead and Lee and two others missing after back-to-back monster waves from a sudden storm flipped the boat in the darkness of Sunday morning. Many of the 43 aboard were left swimming to shore that was two miles away or hanging on to life rafts and ice chests for upward of 16 hours. All the crew has been accounted for, but of the 27 passengers, seven remain missing.

On Tuesday, the two men in the center of the photo -- Lee Ikegami, of San Martin, and Mike Ng, of Belmont -- called home to loved ones.

"I've never seen my husband this upset before," Ikegami's wife, Murphy, said after talking to him by phone at the El Capitan hotel in San Felipe. "He's absolutely devastated."

U.S. Coast Guard helicopters circled over the Sea of Cortez on Tuesday, looking across the calm and warm waters for the missing fishermen from the boat named "Erik" that capsized in a storm, with lightning and strong winds.

Nighttime terror

Ikegami told his wife that most of the passengers were sleeping in their cabins about 2:30 a.m. Sunday -- less than a day into the six-day excursion -- when the first wave broadsided the boat and turned it on its side.

"He says he was in his cabin, he was fortunate. He was on the upside. He could open his door," Murphy Ikegami said. "The guys on the other side were under water. They couldn't open their doors."

Ikegami "worked his way out" then found himself in the open sea, next to a round life raft that he grabbed. "He hung on," she said. Within four minutes, a second wave hit the Erik, flipping the boat over and sinking it.

The body of Leslie Yee, who wore glasses and tennis shoes in the photo, was found washed up on a lonely beach, about 67 miles south of San Felipe. He had retired two years ago as a transportation manager after 37 years at the San Francisco Chronicle, according to the newspaper. Gene Leong from Dublin, who carried a camera in the photograph, and Al Mein of Twain Harte, who appeared to be saluting the camera, remained lost at sea Tuesday.

The vessel rested on the sea floor, some 200 feet deep. Divers have been called in to search the cabins, but they won't begin until the end of the week, said Escobedo Ortiz, the Mexican director of civil protection agency for the state of Baja California.

"Right now our priority is searching for people who might be alive either at sea or on the beaches or islands or local mountains surrounding the area," Ortiz said in a telephone interview from Mexico on Tuesday.

In the Bay Area, relatives of the missing couldn't stand the wait.

Don Lee's wife, May, is hoping someone will step forward with the private plane and fly her and other wives to San Felipe to somehow help with the search.

She is clinging to the hope that her husband of 35 years will be found alive.

"He's a fighter," she said from her San Ramon home. "Each day that passes that we don't find him, it gets harder and harder."

Lee, Ikegami and Yee, who died, had been friends since the early 1970s, when they met while living in the same apartment building on Clement Street in San Francisco. Lee and Yee and their wives taught the Ikegamis how to play mah-jongg, Murphy Ikegami said. "We played every week."

The trio enjoyed the annual fishing trip, but most years they just made day trips. This year was going to be extra special because they were staying aboard for the whole week. They also decided to drive instead of fly, Ikegami said, because they wanted to be able to bring their full catch home, instead of being limited by airline restrictions. Ikegami and Yee drove down together in Yee's truck.

"One second I am just so happy my husband is all right," she said. "Then in the next moment, you're devastated and have two close friends that are missing."

The 115-foot boat, operated by Baja Sportfishing and Diving, was a well-known in the area and had a clean safety record, Ortiz said. It set out on a clear day. The kind of quick and powerful storm that hit the boat is not unusual in the Sea of Cortez, he said, and like boats usually do, the Erik was trying to reach the shelter of a cove when it was hit by back-to-back big waves.

Hope for the missing

Investigators are speculating that because it was so hot, all the windows were open on the boat, "which made it easy for the water to come in" and swamp the boat, Ortiz said.

Baja Sportfishing Inc. lost its rights to operate in California in 2001 when it failed to file tax returns from 1996 to 2000, according to records at the Franchise Tax Board. It appears to be operating legally, however, with a valid license from San Diego listed under a slightly different name, Baja Sportfishing and Diving. The company didn't respond to requests for comment, instead issuing a statement: "We are devastated by this horrible tragedy. Every effort is being made to assist the authorities in the search. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families." The fishing company also announced it has canceled further trips because of the tragedy.

Among the survivors was Charles Gibson, police chief with the Contra Costa Community College District.

But seven others are missing, including the three men from the photograph; and Russ Bautista, of Penn Grove; Mark Dorland; Brian Wong, of Berkeley; and Shawn Craddock.

Wong's Berkeley neighbors describe him as an avid fisherman and dedicated family man who works for Alameda County Human Resource Services.

"Hopefully they find him and he's wearing a life jacket," said Rick Tanaka who lives a few doors down from Wong.

At the Dublin home of Gene Leong, 67, family and friends gathered waiting for word.

His son, Michael Leong, said his father is a good swimmer. They are hoping for the best. If everything works out, he said, his father will come home with just a "sunburn."

------------

Lisa Fernandez, Mark Gomez, Doug Oakley and Matt Krupnick contributed to this report.


BajaNews - 7-6-2011 at 12:39 PM







Albert Mein (L) and Don Lee (R).

BajaNews - 7-6-2011 at 12:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNews
Quote:
Originally posted by dizzyspots
Goat here's where I saw it...

www.bahiadelosangeles.info


http://findourfathers.blogspot.com


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Find-our-Fathers/2372484963033...

Mexico, U.S. search for seven missing off Baja coast

BajaNews - 7-6-2011 at 01:55 PM

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/05/us-mexico-boat-idU...

By Lizbeth Diaz
Jul 5, 2011

Mexico's Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard searched for seven shipwrecked American vacationers on Tuesday, two days after their boat was caught in a fearsome storm off the Baja California peninsula.

The Mexican Navy said it was leading the search in the Sea of Cortez for any survivors or bodies of the missing passengers who were out fishing in a boat that capsized, broke in two and sunk on Sunday.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it was assisting with a C-130 cargo plane flying over the area.

The 115-foot (35-meter) chartered fishing boat dubbed the Erik was carrying 43 people when it capsized early on Sunday. The Mexican Navy, fishermen and other vessels rescued 35 of the passengers and crew members, saved by a crew member who swam for hours to reach the coast and call for help.

Mexican authorities identified the body of one passenger, and the missing seven are feared dead.

All of the missing individuals are from California, according to port official Dora Winkler in San Felipe, Mexico.

The Erik encountered the storm and overturned on its first night at sea, Mexican officials said. The stricken vessel was found 87 miles south of San Felipe, Mexico, a popular holiday and fishing resort south of Mexicali.

Crew member Rodrigo Romero recalled in San Felipe how it took him 17 hours to swim to shore and call for help, swimming with his life jacket and occasionally losing consciousness as he pulled and kicked through the waves.

"Nobody wanted me to separate from the group but I knew I had to reach someone with a telephone or a radio," he said.

"Thank God I found an American who was camping on the beach. As I lay exhausted on the beach, he offered me help, he had a phone and a radio," Romero told Reuters, his arms and legs badly cut and his face burned from the sun.

Tourist guide Marco Avila, floating in the water for hours with another eight crew members and Americans, said they were saved by 12 bottles of soda they found floating in a white polystyrene ice box among the wreckage.

"We shared them about and took little sips. Then we broke the ice box into pieces and used it to swim," he said.

-----

Reporting by Marty Graham in San Diego, Lizbeth Diaz in San Felipe, Robin Emmott in Monterrey; Writing by Alex Dobuzinskis and Robin Emmott; Editing by Steve Gorman and Jerry Norton.

mtgoat666 - 7-6-2011 at 01:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNews
Survivors said a storm came up suddenly, with intense winds increasing after midnight. About 2 a.m., two successive large waves caused the boat to list and then capsize, they said.


I often think that wearing a life vest is confining, uncomfortable. Makes you realize how fast things happen, maybe better to wear the uncomfortable thing.

Seems like bad ch1t always happens at night. Good reason to use a life jacket as a pillow, keep it handy for when ch1t happens fast.

BajaNews - 7-6-2011 at 03:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dizzyspots
Goat here's where I saw it...

www.bahiadelosangeles.info


Also, "Missing" (PDF) posters/flyers (same image that's displayed in one of the previous posts here) were also available through the BOLA site link above:

In English:
http://www.bahiadelosangeles.info/pdf/find_our_fathers_eng.p...

En Español:
http://www.bahiadelosangeles.info/pdf/find_our_fathers_esp.p...

MexicoTed - 7-6-2011 at 06:11 PM

I have been in contact with some family members of the missing through another contact in the Bay Area. Some may plan to come down to San Felipe and head south. If so, hopefully the Nomads in the area can give them as much assistance as possible. If I hear anything, I will post.
Ted

bbbait - 7-6-2011 at 06:28 PM

We are heading down that way tomorrow, Thursday morning.. Our place is at Bahia Cristina, and we will be in the area for 3-4 days. If for any reason anybody needs anything that we may have to offer, they are certainly welcome to it. We are on the north end of the campo, and if not there we will be down towards Gonzaga somewhere checking things out. Our place will be open for water, shade, or if we're there much more in the way of adult beverages! Plenty of room and right on the water for boat access or staging for vehicles or whatever. Anyone is welcome to camp there for as long as they need or want to...

MexicoTed - 7-6-2011 at 09:10 PM

Thanks bbbait, if they decide to come down I will let them know of your hospitality and contact you.

BajaWarrior - 7-6-2011 at 10:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Just read the thread... and not surprised, as the wind that hit us (20 miles south of San Felipe) Saturday evening was way way strong and lasted all night... It was easily over 50 mph where we were.

Driving south to Gonzaga Bay Sunday mid-day we saw nothing unusual... no copters, no troop trucks, normal military inspection at Gonzaga Bay check point.

Very sad...


Hey David,

We saw you coming down the Huerfinito grade on Sunday. We were heading back North after a day exploring almost all the way to Punta Bufeo. We were driving a Marroon '94 4Runner with the headlights on and a TowBar on the front. Sorry we missed you.

Quite a blow on Saturday night for sure, and yes, we didn't see any activity either where we were while in the Bufeo area at the time we were there but the accident time line tells me that when we were leaving to head North the first survivors were being found by a Panga Fisherman so word had not gotten out yet.

On Monday morning however we watched San Diego news and heard of the news just then. That was about the time the Helicopters started showing up and consuming VHF Channel 16 for the remainder of the day.

Ironically, on Saturday we were using our SeaDoos along with another couple and after a day in the Bahia wakeboarding and water skiing, we decided as it was such a nice day on the Sea to check out a south bound ship about 7 miles out the sea. That boat was the Eric which we circled and drew waves from everybody on the boat. We jumped off of the SeaDoos and took a dip and watched the boat slip away. That was about 4:30 p.m.

The Eric sank 10 hours later...

[Edited on 7-7-2011 by BajaWarrior]

David K - 7-6-2011 at 10:31 PM

Wow...

We pulled over at the wide vista area on the long Huerfanito downgrade and had lunch... We were there maybe 45 minutes before driving on south. It was freeky cool with the overcast skys, which made eating lunch outside of the A/C truck cab comfortable...

What a sad event that neither you nor we knew was happening just a few miles off the coast from where we were driving by!

redhilltown - 7-6-2011 at 10:45 PM

I have tried to read the entire thread and maybe I missed it, but having camped many times in this area and often north of Gonzaga, I was just wondering if the winds were onshore or offshore? The whacky crazy winds that have nailed us camping have been offshore and to me so much more dangerous if you are fishing or on the water. We have used our small aluminum boat more than once to go out to San Luis but I never felt that uncomfortable because you have the island to run to and shore is not that far away if the winds are from the north (and you see the rustling on the horizon)...but those hot offshore winds that blow down the passes are brutal. I am guessing from all the reports is that the timing of the event (2 a.m.) is the most unfortunate aspect of all.

Gotta still keep the fingers crossed.

David K - 7-7-2011 at 12:29 AM

Where we were that night (20 miles south of San Felipe)... the wind came from across the gulf, south of San Felipe... it hit us from the southeast blowing northwest. It was very severe... painfully blowing sand... giant waves.

Mexican navy extends search for seven missing U.S. citizens

BajaNews - 7-7-2011 at 12:30 AM

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/06/search-seven-...

By Sandra Dibble
July 6, 2011

A search was scheduled to continue on Thursday for seven U.S. citizens missing since their fishing boat sank off the coast of Baja California last Sunday.

“We are going to keep searching in hopes of results,” said Capt. Benjamin Pineda of the Mexican Navy, reached by phone Wednesday in San Felipe.

Pineda said that four Mexican navy boats, three helicopters and a U.S. Coast Guard Hercules C-130 fixed-wing aircraft were persisting in the search. The Mexican navy’s protocol in these kinds of incidents sets a minimum 96-hour search period, which would end early Thursday, but Pineda said the search was being extended.

The 115-foot charter fishing vessel Erik was carrying 43 people when capsized and sank in stormy weather at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday 60 miles south of San Felipe.

One passenger drowned, Leslie K. Yee, a U.S. retiree from Ceres. The seven missing passengers identified by the Mexican navy are: Don Lee, Russel Bautista, Mark Dorland, Brian Wong, Al Mein, Gene J. Leon and Shawn Chaddock.

Unlucky Number Seven

MrBillM - 7-7-2011 at 08:24 AM

It doesn't look like there's going to be any more good news.

Life is Uncertain.

As those hikers in Yellowstone make clear.

I'm reminded of a line in a favorite movie. "The minute you step out the door in the morning, you're in trouble".

And, sometimes, even BEFORE you step out that door.

wow

mtgoat666 - 7-7-2011 at 09:35 AM

Mercury News has a pretty detailed survivors account of the sinking. Interesting read:

http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_18421262?nclick_ch...

bryanmckenzie - 7-7-2011 at 10:31 AM

Link has a problem. Try this one ... http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_18421262

EXCELLENT slide show, too.
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Mercury News has a pretty detailed survivors account of the sinking. Interesting read:

http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_18421262?nclick_ch...

The Pentagon Channel

bryanmckenzie - 7-7-2011 at 11:14 AM

And here with their updates is the DoD Pentagon Channel ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY95egE7ppw

Cypress - 7-7-2011 at 11:58 AM

You're going from A to B, but sometimes there's a bear in the way. And you never expected it.

MexicoTed - 7-7-2011 at 12:10 PM

Two questions.

1) I read somewhere that a survivor (or survivors) were found towards LA Bay. Can anyone verify this and if so, where exactly?

2) This one is about the currents. This time of year, which direction do the water currents flow? I'm not a boater, but thought it was southeast on the western side of the SofC??

Thanks,
Ted

MexicoTed - 7-7-2011 at 12:17 PM

Here's a first account with Charles Gibson,one of the survivors.

http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/07/07/after-boat-capsizes-man-...

Grin and Bear it.

MrBillM - 7-7-2011 at 12:21 PM

I was listening to an "expert" on Bear Behavior this a.m. and one point he made was that you're in greater danger with a Black Bear than a Grizzly. Although you can't outrun either, the Grizzly "might" lose interest.

According to him, a Grizzly will react aggressively to perceived Threat. The Black Bear, on the other hand, usually attacks because he plans to eat you. Hard to change his (or her) mind on that one.

dizzyspots - 7-7-2011 at 02:47 PM

there is a report, along with a plea from "Lee" family members at www.bahiadelosangeles.info in the report they state that THREE(3) survivors were found, came ashore at BOLA...

Riom - 7-7-2011 at 03:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dizzyspots
there is a report, along with a plea from "Lee" family members at www.bahiadelosangeles.info in the report they state that THREE(3) survivors were found, came ashore at BOLA...


That appears to be referring to some of the initial survivors, not any of the seven still missing. There are, unfortunately, no reports from anywhere of any of those seven being found, yet.

dizzyspots - 7-7-2011 at 03:15 PM

my thought was more along the lines of the search area...seems like they are up north near Gonzaga haven't heard any info on BOLA or points south??

bullmello - 7-7-2011 at 03:55 PM

Good story about rescuers out of Punta Bufeo.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/07/wildomar-fath...

MexicoTed - 7-7-2011 at 04:07 PM

Yeah, I was more looking at the search area. If they found some of the original survivors south towards LA Bay, that's quite a drift in the currents. I almost think too far for the original survivors. Any experts out there who could shed some light on this?

My original thought was that when the Lee family said they were found near LA Bay was that it was the biggest town on the map nearby.

Assistance from Hawaii

doradodan - 7-8-2011 at 03:05 PM

Was down at the marina in SF was advised by the Port Captain, personell with deep water diving equipment will be here tomorrow Saturday, the boat has not been located

There's a web cam at Papa Fernandez'

vgabndo - 7-8-2011 at 07:12 PM

http://www.papafernandez.com/calendar.html

You can go to the weekend and see how quickly the disturbance passed over night. (sort of) :no:

Max wind gust for Papa was 25 mph

beercan - 7-8-2011 at 08:40 PM

I have probably fished this area 6-800 times in the last 30 years. 25mph winds can/will produce 4--8 ft seas . Never seen a 45' wave .


David K - 7-8-2011 at 09:09 PM

Can you post that weather info for Saturday as well, Beercan?

The wind hit us hard Saturday night, maybe between 9-10 pm... We were near Laguna Percebu. It was the crazy strong... specially in that all day Saturday was perfect/ ideal weather. There are no hills on the beach so the speed may have been much, much higher than at Gonzaga... At least 50 mph if not more for several hours.

Hit something

doradodan - 7-8-2011 at 09:29 PM

Talked to crew member. They hit something, every witness is coming up with stories. There isn't rogue waves to blow over a boat 110 feet

There are reefs out in that general area,

beercan - 7-8-2011 at 09:59 PM

however both which come to the surface are to the North of the islands .


redhilltown - 7-9-2011 at 12:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by doradodan
Talked to crew member. They hit something, every witness is coming up with stories. There isn't rogue waves to blow over a boat 110 feet


This would certainly make more sense... 45' waves????? Sounds like it will take a while for all the stories to shake out but "operator error" sure seems to be at the top of the list.

bullmello - 7-9-2011 at 12:29 AM

A rather damning article from the San Jose Mercury News

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18443768

excerpt:

"After viewing video of the 105-foot fishing boat that capsized Sunday in the Sea of Cortez, veteran Baja California charter fisherman Scott Hill said it should never have set sail.

"I've been on boats all over the world, big ones, small ones, you name it," said Hill, of San Rafael-based Western Boat & Tackle. "There is no way I'd get on this.

"That boat was so top-heavy it's just unbelievable," the charter fishing veteran said after viewing video of the Erik and discussing it with colleagues."

I would have to agree. The Erik without pangas loaded on the back may have been reasonably seaworthy. Question: Does anybody think the Erik with pangas loaded would pass inspection by the Coast Guard?

bullmello - 7-9-2011 at 01:58 AM

As mentioned in a previous post in this thread I was on the Erik in 1991 with a group charter to Socorro Island. Fortunately the weather was good and there was no incident. It feels as though now my friends and I dodged a bullet as have many others in the 20 years or so since. After that trip I and most sensible friends with me would never get on that boat again. Furthermore I would never get on any boat operated by Gustavo Velez or his cohorts.

After a bait and switch by Gustavo from the trip being booked on the Capitan Villegas, now the Tony Reyes, we ended up going on the Erik. Once underway we discovered the boat had no working radar, gps and they ended up relying on hand held marine radios brought by our group. We also hooked up a gps unit brought by one of our group members which was used for navigation by the crew.

This is the tip of the iceberg of things that happened on our trip. What happened this last week to the innocent passengers on the Erik brought back many memories of our group's experience on that same boat and the way that Gustavo operates. As I stated in a previous post, it's hard to believe he is still operating boats anywhere. Sorry if this seems harsh, but I will not be surprised by any damning findings regarding the way this boat was operated leading directly or indirectly to this disaster.


The Erik at Socorro 1991

Four survivors return to Sonoma County, two buddies still missing

BajaNews - 7-9-2011 at 02:06 AM

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110708/ARTICLES/11070...

By DEREK MOORE
July 8, 2011

The men were sunburned and exhausted, having driven some 14 hours to get home to Sonoma County and reunite with families they didn’t think they’d ever see again after jumping from a sinking ship into a dark and menacing sea.

They were anxious to share their stories but reticent about revealing too much. They are fishermen after all, who prefer to drink beer and swap stories about the big hauls and near misses rather than talking about their own survival.

Gathered around a dining room table in a Sebastopol home Friday, they described their terror and their joy, as well as their pain and their guilt of leaving Mexico without two of their friends, who remain missing in the Sea of Cortez.

“You don’t want to leave your friends there,” Dennis DeLuca, 57, said.

DeLuca, Warren Tsurumoto, 50, and Dave Levine, 53, were among those on board a boat chartered by 27 Americans — most from the Bay Area — when it capsized before dawn Sunday in a fierce storm off the Baja California coast. A fourth Sonoma County man, Jim Miller, also survived.

Seven men have yet to be found, including Penngrove’s Russ Bautista and Petaluma’s Shawn Chaddock. As Mexican and U.S. authorities continued searching for the men Friday, their buddies reflected on the circumstances surrounding the doomed voyage.

Tsurumoto’s mother’s home, where the three survivors shared their experiences, is almost 800 miles and a world away from San Felipe, where the men boarded the 105-foot Erik on Saturday for what was supposed to be a six-day fishing adventure.

Seated behind her husband, Joan DeLuca put a hand to her mouth and began crying when he recalled being rescued and reaching her on an Internet connection. Until that call, she didn’t know whether the Sebastopol construction and engineering manager for AT&T was alive.

“It was awful,” she said.

The mood had been very different when the men departed Sonoma County for the long drive to Mexico. Bautista, who the men referred to as “captain” or “commodore,” was the group’s leader, having been on the trip several times before.

Miller, 70, has been Bautista’s neighbor for nearly 30 years and the men have been on numerous fishing trips together. But this was the first time Miller had joined him on the Baja excursion. The trip was affordable — only $600 per man for the entire week.

The fact the adventure required a long drive to Mexico didn’t bother them. “We’d go anywhere to get a tug on a line,” Levine said.

After arriving at their hotel in San Felipe, about 120 miles south of the Mexican border on the eastern shore of Baja, the men broke out the coolers filled with ice-cold beer and sat around swapping fish stories. The next day, July 2, they boarded the Erik.

Levine, who lives in Bodega Bay and works heavy highway construction, described the boat as a “rust-bucket.” After Bautista, a retired Pacific Bell worker, showed him around the vessel, Levine asked him when the crew was going to give the men a safety orientation.

“He said, ‘You just had it. This is Mexico,’” Levine recalled.

Despite the boat’s condition, the men said they felt safe heading out because several in the group had been on the same trip before and because the boat was not going to be out of sight of land. The boat had nine small fishing boats attached to it that they figured could be used in an emergency.

The weather was perfect — sunny skies and calm water, like that of a lake. The mood remained jovial through a dinner of fajitas and drinking on the upper deck.

But then the wind started to kick up and the boat began to toss.

Most of the men had gone to their cabins for the night by the time Miller, a retired electrical superintendent, headed back on deck. He and a few others couldn’t sleep because of the heat and their unease over the increasingly foul weather.

Miller and five other men, including DeLuca and Bautista, were assigned to cabin nine, which was on an upper deck behind the bridge.

Miller watched as waves struck the boat’s port side and then cascaded over the top. The water began filling the fish hold, where the hatch had been left open, as well as the interiors of the smaller fishing boats called pongas, which were left uncovered.

With each successive wave, more water stayed in the boat, until the vessel began to list to one side. Miller said that’s when one of the men said they were in trouble.

Miller said he rushed to his cabin and turned on the lights. He said his bunkmates thought he was joking when he told them to get out, but then realizing he was serious, they began hustling.

Miller said the last time he saw Bautista, he was rushing out the cabin door dressed only in his underwear and carrying a life vest on one shoulder. Miller watched him leave while struggling to pull on cut-off shorts.

Below in a cabin, Tsurumoto was watching the movie “Secretariat” on his iPad when Chaddock, his bunkmate, leaned over and asked him if the boat was supposed to be leaning so far over.

“Hell no,” said Levine. “We gotta get out of here.”

The men raced out of the room. To their dismay, they noticed that the boat’s entire crew of 16 already was assembled on deck, wearing nice life vests. Tsurumoto said the boat’s cook handed him a life vest that had broken straps.

There was no time for complaining. Tsurumoto and the other men jumped overboard into the dark sea.

Miller was still on board and had gone to the bridge to search for a life vest. By then, the boat was at a 45-degree angle. When water broke the windows on one side of the bridge and the power went out, Miller knew it was time to go.

He remembered seeing two large life rings attached to the top of his cabin earlier that night. He made his way to them but was disheartened to see that they were attached solidly with straps. Calling out for something to cut them with, Miller was handed a fish filet knife - not ideal.

He managed to cut away one strap but as he began work on the other, the boat heaved backward for its final down. As the boat sank, Miller hung on, furiously cutting away at the strap.

He was about 10 feet under the water’s surface when he finally freed the straps. The rings broke free and floated away, as Miller, entangled in rope, kicked frantically to get away. Miller discovered later that he broke a toe. The boat’s metal mast also struck him, bruising his ribs.

Miller’s actions turned out to be a lifesaver, as the rings supported 18 passengers and crew members. Miller’s friends said he acted heroically. But Miller dismissed the notion Friday and he feels guilt over not being able to do more.

“I was just trying to save my ass,” he said.

With lightning speed, the men found themselves in the dark and balmy ocean, naked or nearly so, riding swells they estimated to be 25 feet high. Men could be heard screaming in Spanish and in English over the din of the wind and crashing waves.

Tsurumoto and DeLuca connected with other passengers and crew members around a hastily arranged flotilla of three floating ice chests.

Levine was in another group, and luckily, he found his own cooler. In it was his fishing bag, which contained an inflatable life vest and some candy.

Miller was clinging to one of the life rings along with other men.

Through the night, men shouted to one another and helped one another to stay afloat. “We told a lot of stories in the dark,” Levine said.

They didn’t know it then, but it would be hours before anyone would come looking for them. Mexican authorities were not aware that there had been a disaster until one of the men who was rescued by a fisherman reported the incident. By then, they all had been drifting for several hours.

Tsurumoto thought about his 86-year-old mother, Amy, and about his father and two sisters, all of whom are deceased. He worried who would take care of his mother if he died.

That seemed a real possibility when Tsurumoto spotted a shark circling him in the water. Thankfully, the fish swam away.

After daybreak, DeLuca and Levine decided to swim for help. Both were beaten back initially by the currents after several hours.

On his second attempt, Levine made it to an island, where he was spotted by passing fishermen and rescued.

DeLuca fended off a curious sea lion by throwing his camera at it. He’d discovered the device in his pocket. His own fortune included finding a floating cooler filled with water and three bottles of Gatorade, which helped quench his thirst. All of the men at some point were so thirsty their tongues had swollen.

DeLuca was thrilled to see a helicopter fly overhead, and then soon after, an approaching boat. When it got closer, he said to the men on board, “gosh darnn if the water isn’t nice this time of year.”

He was so fatigued that when he got in the boat he collapsed and began to weep. “I hugged the old guy’s ankles next to me,” he said.

Tsurumoto, DeLuca and another man ended up at the same house on an island called Bahia de los Angeles. DeLuca said he downed a beer and ate a tuna fish sandwich, then fell into sleep.

The next morning, he called his wife.

Levine and Miller were flown to a military hospital, where Miller’s broken toe was examined. They eventually made it back to their hotel in San Felipe.

Their joy at being alive was tempered, however, by the knowledge that Bautista and Chaddock were missing.

Tsurumoto said Chaddock had been behind him in those first frantic moments when they rushed to get out of the cabin. He said he assumed the Petaluma auto mechanic — who according to the men was an insulin-dependent diabetic — had turned around to retrieve medications.

Miller agonizes over what might have happened to Bautista. Did he make it into the water? Or perhaps get trapped by a canopy that hung over one of the walkways?

He also blames himself for not doing more to alert the men in another cabin as he passed by — even though he remembers opening the door.

All of the surviving men say they are angry at the boat company for what they say is their negligence in not properly training the crew or providing the proper equipment for emergencies.

The boat company, Baja Sportfishing, once worked out of San Diego, but owner Alexander Velez let the license expire last year. It was unclear whether the company had moved to another city or relocated to Mexico, where its boats departed. The Baja Sportfishing web site said company officials could not respond to messages, and that all trips have been canceled.

The men said they were told that the boat’s skipper was warned not to go out that Saturday night because of bad weather moving in. They also say he could have piloted the boat safely through the heavy swells had he headed more directly into them.

Levine said the crew “knew how to save themselves, except for the cook, who handed out life jackets. And he couldn’t swim.”

The men said they saw the body of Leslie Yee, 65, of Ceres, the lone confirmed death so far.

The group left San Felipe Thursday morning armed with a letter from U.S. consulate officials that urged their safe passage home. The letter was necessary because the men lost their passports, driver’s licenses and everything else they had with them when the boat went down.

Nevertheless, they said they were hassled at the U.S. border by officials who told them they hadn’t been made aware of their situation.

The men took turns driving Bautista’s pickup truck home, and after arriving in Sonoma County Thursday night, they stopped by his home in Penngrove.

Joelle Bautista said she was “very, very glad” to see them. But after listening to the men recount in detail what happened, she said she does not want to hear it again anytime soon.

“I’m just trying to keep it out of my mind because it must have been a terror for each and every one of them, including my husband,” she said.

She said the U.S. Coast Guard informed her that they were planning to expand their search for her husband and the other missing men Friday to include an additional 800 nautical miles, on top of the 1,900 miles they’ve already scoured.

The Coast Guard is sending her daily emails containing maps of where the search has been conducted so far. She said she was told that divers also will attempt to reach the sunken boat once the search shifts into “recovery mode.”

Joelle Bautista said she’s heartened that the search already has surpassed the Mexican Navy’s original deadline of 96 hours, and by the stories she’s heard of men who have survived for as long as 12 days in similar conditions.

“We’re just hopeful today is the day they find him,” she said.

bullmello - 7-9-2011 at 03:21 AM

"Miller watched as waves struck the boat’s port side and then cascaded over the top."

This is the second report that mentioned waves striking the side of the boat.

"The men said they were told that the boat’s skipper was warned not to go out that Saturday night because of bad weather moving in. They also say he could have piloted the boat safely through the heavy swells had he headed more directly into them."

Any skipper worth their salt knows to point their bow into the waves. Why did the skipper of the Erik apparently not do this?

"The men raced out of the room. To their dismay, they noticed that the boat’s entire crew of 16 already was assembled on deck, wearing nice life vests. Tsurumoto said the boat’s cook handed him a life vest that had broken straps."

That is sad.

monoloco - 7-9-2011 at 06:05 AM

This tragedy was totally preventable, the captain should be locked up for criminal negligence.

monday morning quaterbacking - superbowl superstar edition

mtgoat666 - 7-9-2011 at 06:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bullmello
A rather damning article from the San Jose Mercury News

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18443768

excerpt:

"After viewing video of the 105-foot fishing boat that capsized Sunday in the Sea of Cortez, veteran Baja California charter fisherman Scott Hill said it should never have set sail.

"I've been on boats all over the world, big ones, small ones, you name it," said Hill, of San Rafael-based Western Boat & Tackle. "There is no way I'd get on this.

"That boat was so top-heavy it's just unbelievable," the charter fishing veteran said after viewing video of the Erik and discussing it with colleagues."

I would have to agree. The Erik without pangas loaded on the back may have been reasonably seaworthy. Question: Does anybody think the Erik with pangas loaded would pass inspection by the Coast Guard?



monday morning quarter backs!


the boat was probably adequate. the word on the street is the chief engineer wasn't very good, and the owner/captain was shady businessman.


i still think the boat was not the problem. i think it simply got into a bad storm, and took some large waves, perhaps a large rogue, when all the doors were open, leading to rapid flooding through open doors where weight imbalance put it on its side where it could not recover.

you have to remember in high seas to close the doors.




[Edited on 7-9-2011 by mtgoat666]

mtgoat666 - 7-9-2011 at 06:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bullmello
"Miller watched as waves struck the boat’s port side and then cascaded over the top."

This is the second report that mentioned waves striking the side of the boat.

"The men said they were told that the boat’s skipper was warned not to go out that Saturday night because of bad weather moving in. They also say he could have piloted the boat safely through the heavy swells had he headed more directly into them."

Any skipper worth their salt knows to point their bow into the waves. Why did the skipper of the Erik apparently not do this?


bullhead:
the passengers probably only woke after the boat lost momentum, and was broadside to waves. perhaps the engines were already dead, or helm control was already lost when passengers woke up.
Quote:
Originally posted by bullmello
"The men raced out of the room. To their dismay, they noticed that the boat’s entire crew of 16 already was assembled on deck, wearing nice life vests. Tsurumoto said the boat’s cook handed him a life vest that had broken straps."

That is sad.


passengeres should study safety equipment right after they get on boat. don't expect crew to come to your aid in emergency. passengers should know where life vests are - most every boat has a safety briefing for new passengers.
if a problem started small and then grew, one would expect crew to have been up and awake before passengers. that's not a bad, just the way things work.

any of you that go out on boats should know where safety equip is before you go to bed. don't wait to ask after you need it.

monoloco - 7-9-2011 at 07:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by bullmello
A rather damning article from the San Jose Mercury News

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18443768

excerpt:

"After viewing video of the 105-foot fishing boat that capsized Sunday in the Sea of Cortez, veteran Baja California charter fisherman Scott Hill said it should never have set sail.

"I've been on boats all over the world, big ones, small ones, you name it," said Hill, of San Rafael-based Western Boat & Tackle. "There is no way I'd get on this.

"That boat was so top-heavy it's just unbelievable," the charter fishing veteran said after viewing video of the Erik and discussing it with colleagues."

I would have to agree. The Erik without pangas loaded on the back may have been reasonably seaworthy. Question: Does anybody think the Erik with pangas loaded would pass inspection by the Coast Guard?



monday morning quarter backs!


the boat was probably adequate. the word on the street is the chief engineer wasn't very good, and the owner/captain was shady businessman.


i still think the boat was not the problem. i think it simply got into a bad storm, and took some large waves, perhaps a large rogue, when all the doors were open, leading to rapid flooding through open doors where weight imbalance put it on its side where it could not recover.

you have to remember in high seas to close the doors.




[Edited on 7-9-2011 by mtgoat666]
Bottom line is that it's the captains fault, he's responsible for the maintenance of the boat, the actions of the crew and the safety of the passengers, a big wave didn't just come out of nowhere and slap the boat down, mistakes were made, it was his responsibility to make sure they weren't.

wessongroup - 7-9-2011 at 07:45 AM

Looks ok to me...

Crew hunts for victims in Mexico boating tragedy

MexicoTed - 7-9-2011 at 10:38 AM

Baja California, Mexico --

Flying 500 feet above the Gulf of California, air crewman Christopher Gray radioed to his pilot from the rear of the plane: "There's some splashing. It might be something."

"Then let's turn it around," the pilot said, and banked the aircraft to the right.

Gray, who was perched on the tail-end ramp of a C-130, was part of a search team dispatched from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento on Friday to look for seven Bay Area men who have been missing since their fishing boat, the Erik, capsized off Mexico's coast Sunday.

The chances of finding anyone alive in a raft or washed ashore on one of the sea's sun-baked islands were slim.

Yet Gray, who has been in the Coast Guard for seven years, has participated in countless open sea searches - he rescued one boater who'd been adrift in the Pacific for several days - remained optimistic.

"That's someone's brother, someone's father we're looking for," Gray said. "And that means everything to them. I know I'd be fit to be tied if I was at home, waiting to see if they found my loved one. ... So yeah, it keeps us motivated."

Instead of returning to Sacramento on Friday evening, the crew was ordered to land in Yuma, Ariz., and to continue daily search missions until Tuesday. The families of the missing and U.S. politicians had pressured Mexican authorities to allow continued operations, even after the Mexican navy was planning to switch to a recovery mission for the presumed dead.
Searching the box

Friday's search plan called for the aircraft to cover a 370-square-mile box that included the northern tip of Isla Angel de la Guarda - the Island of Our Guardian Angel. The search area was set by Mexican navy and U.S. officials who had supervised operations during the week and studied the sea's tidal drift patterns. To date, crews have scoured about 2,000 square miles by sea and air.

"They give us the box, we fly, we search," said Lt. Kevan Hanson, the co-pilot. "That's what we're good at, that's what we'll do."

Hanson had heard that a Coast Guard mission Thursday turned up a raft, but no survivors. It was unknown if the craft was used by one of the men from the Erik or if it was a random piece of debris floating on the vast seascape.

The trick to spotting a survivor in open waters is not to get tricked. A diving bird or jumping fish creates a whitewater bull's-eye that ripples outward - just like the splashes from a survivor. A clump of seaweed in the distance can, for a moment, appear as something hopeful - a seat cushion, perhaps.

On Friday, it took 2 1/2 hours by air from Sacramento to reach the Gulf of California. Once the plane neared the search box, pilot Lt. Cmdr. Ernie Gameng and co-pilot Hanson lowered the plane from 20,000 feet to 500. If they needed to get a good look, they would drop the huge aircraft to 50 feet.
Watching the radar

On the flight deck navigator Nick Osborne kept his attention on a Selex radar system. The radar can track hard objects in the water - floating chairs or coolers - but a lone person is too fine to detect.

"Hopefully," Osborne said, "if they're out there, they're holding onto something."

The search conditions, which were ideal for the crew, were probably unkind for anyone trying to survive without rations. The cloudless skies and flat water made it easy for a searcher to notice a bump on the horizon or a shiny reflection from miles away. On the other hand, the unrelenting sun was enough to dehydrate a man within hours, much less five days. And even in 85-degree water, a human would succumb to hypothermia eventually.

So some hope aboard the C-130 was given to the idea that the men had made it to land.

By noon, and deep into Mexican airspace, the plane began flying the 21 legs to fill in the box - 11 back and forth laps, crossed horizontally by 10 more legs, in about 7 1/2 hours.

The pilots lowered the back-end and Gray, along with crewman John Hurst, scurried out to the back edge, ready to launch a survival package filled with water, candy, lip balm, sunscreen and Mylar blankets.
Second looks

Every time one of the crew members spotted an item of interest - "You see that white thing at 2 o'clock about 2 miles out?" - all aboard would take a long look. If they weren't sure - and flying at 176 mph, things can pass by quickly - they turned around.

They turned around for, among other things, a piece of cardboard, or perhaps a matt folded over; an abandoned refrigerator on a desolate shoreline; a white box, probably Styrofoam, that had sunk by the time they returned; a wooden sign on an island that, for a moment, brought enough interest and excitement for someone to ask, "Is that a distress sign?"

The sign was made of plywood, and after Gray used camera controls to zero in on the wooden plank from miles away and reported to the others, the pilot said, "Let's call it debris and move on."

After about 11 hours in the air, the crew was back in Yuma. The doors to the plane opened, and Gray jumped out to begin refueling.

"If there's a small chance, that means there's hope," he said. "There's always another day."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fc%2Fa%2F20...

[Edited on 7-9-2011 by MexicoTed]

JZ - 7-9-2011 at 05:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by bullmello
A rather damning article from the San Jose Mercury News

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18443768

excerpt:

"After viewing video of the 105-foot fishing boat that capsized Sunday in the Sea of Cortez, veteran Baja California charter fisherman Scott Hill said it should never have set sail.

"I've been on boats all over the world, big ones, small ones, you name it," said Hill, of San Rafael-based Western Boat & Tackle. "There is no way I'd get on this.

"That boat was so top-heavy it's just unbelievable," the charter fishing veteran said after viewing video of the Erik and discussing it with colleagues."

I would have to agree. The Erik without pangas loaded on the back may have been reasonably seaworthy. Question: Does anybody think the Erik with pangas loaded would pass inspection by the Coast Guard?



monday morning quarter backs!


the boat was probably adequate. the word on the street is the chief engineer wasn't very good, and the owner/captain was shady businessman.


i still think the boat was not the problem. i think it simply got into a bad storm, and took some large waves, perhaps a large rogue, when all the doors were open, leading to rapid flooding through open doors where weight imbalance put it on its side where it could not recover.

you have to remember in high seas to close the doors.




[Edited on 7-9-2011 by mtgoat666]


I've got a lot of hours out on the ocean. I don't see how a thunderstorm can take down a 115' boat. That makes no sense at all. It should be next to impossible.

Hook - 7-9-2011 at 06:49 PM

Well, how many hours do you have on 115 foot boats during extreme tides on a relatively shallow shelf in a thunderstorm? :smug:

IF this vessel is top heavy and lists into a wave with the hatches open (they always are on these boats 'cause it's so damn hot below decks), then I can see this happening.

Two survivors report being hit by a big wave. Lets say it's swinging on its anchor in 30 knots winds or more. Right at the apex of a swing, a large wave hits it at 75-90 degrees to the hull. That North Sea bow would be useless.

Plus maybe it's rolling radically with pangas raised out of the water. Open hatches, rogue wave at the wrong angle. Could easily happen. Probably did. Water coming down the hatches and companionways probably prevented the missing from getting out.



[Edited on 7-10-2011 by Hook]

JZ - 7-9-2011 at 07:15 PM

115' boat is a monster. Still don't see how it's possible.

bullmello - 7-9-2011 at 08:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
115' boat is a monster. Still don't see how it's possible.


Mother nature is a bigger monster, the biggest. When man puts his best experience and best engineering foot forward, he may have a chance. When he plies his toys foolishly in her face there is no chance but luck. Then luck runs out.

Hopefully further investigation will determine some facts about why this happened and how it can be prevented in the future. Other posters have made good points on why the bow might not have been pointing into the waves. Maybe we can learn more.

monoloco - 7-9-2011 at 08:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
115' boat is a monster. Still don't see how it's possible.
Anything's possible when there is an incompetent captain and crew.

bajajurel - 7-9-2011 at 08:51 PM

always expect the unexpected.

Stickers - 7-9-2011 at 08:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
115' boat is a monster. Still don't see how it's possible.


It happens everyday all over the world to seaworthy, properly managed and skippered unsinkable ships.





.

[Edited on 7-10-2011 by Stickers]

bullmello - 7-9-2011 at 08:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by bullmello
"Miller watched as waves struck the boat’s port side and then cascaded over the top."

This is the second report that mentioned waves striking the side of the boat.

"The men said they were told that the boat’s skipper was warned not to go out that Saturday night because of bad weather moving in. They also say he could have piloted the boat safely through the heavy swells had he headed more directly into them."

Any skipper worth their salt knows to point their bow into the waves. Why did the skipper of the Erik apparently not do this?


bullhead:
the passengers probably only woke after the boat lost momentum, and was broadside to waves. perhaps the engines were already dead, or helm control was already lost when passengers woke up.
Quote:
Originally posted by bullmello
"The men raced out of the room. To their dismay, they noticed that the boat’s entire crew of 16 already was assembled on deck, wearing nice life vests. Tsurumoto said the boat’s cook handed him a life vest that had broken straps."

That is sad.


passengeres should study safety equipment right after they get on boat. don't expect crew to come to your aid in emergency. passengers should know where life vests are - most every boat has a safety briefing for new passengers.
if a problem started small and then grew, one would expect crew to have been up and awake before passengers. that's not a bad, just the way things work.

any of you that go out on boats should know where safety equip is before you go to bed. don't wait to ask after you need it.


One of the primary duties and responsibilities of the crew on any boat, ship or airplane with passengers is the safety of those passengers. I'm not sure if you have ever flown on a commercial airplane before, but they have safety equipment instructions for the passengers before the plane leaves the ground. That is a good idea if you care about your passengers or even about liability.

The passengers on the Erik were riding aboard a ship operated by folks who do not seem to have much regard for safety as evidenced by witness accounts. I'm not a lawyer, but are you saying that a passenger should not have reasonable expectations of proper safety equipment and procedures?

mtgoat666 - 7-9-2011 at 10:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
115' boat is a monster. Still don't see how it's possible.


I can tell you that riding a 120 ft boat in 50 foot swells and 60+ knot winds will make you understand a 115 ft boat is an ant.

-------

looking at the pics of stacked UPRIGHT pangas, it may be that the pangas filled from a rogue wave, and with open hatches doors allowing filling of ship, the boat was never able to right itself.
those pangas should have been stored on deck upside down.

mtgoat666 - 7-9-2011 at 10:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bullmello
I'm not sure if you have ever flown on a commercial airplane before, but they have safety equipment instructions for the passengers before the plane leaves the ground. That is a good idea if you care about your passengers or even about liability.


90% of passengers, including me, ignore the airline safety msgs while we wait for takeoff.
but when i sit in exit row i do study how to pop the door!

Roberto - 7-9-2011 at 11:33 PM

I was down in the area today, and one of the things I talked about with a local fisherman friend who has lived there all his life was this incident. He lives a little north of the exact area but he told me that he experienced VERY strong winds thart evening for about 30-45 minutes. He has livednthere his entire life so that description is probably more than accurate.

He also told me that things happened very quickly, and anyone who was not awake and in their stateroom may well have gone down with the boat, all of which happened in minutes.

He wasn't there, but this is what the locals are saying in the area.

JZ, with all due respect - I know you have a lot of experience on the water, but you have enough to know that a 105' boat, facing the wrong way, with open hatches and hit with even 20' short swells such as you see in the Cortez, could flood pretty quickly, and the short wave interval could very quickly put about any boat in trouble, especially at night and especially if not under way.

I will say that after being far offshore in my own boat, i would not take lightly putting my life in the hands of any skipper, and this boat, with this owner and this skipper and crew would not be anywhere near the top of my list.

You get on a boat, any distance from the dock, and your life is in potential jeopardy.

capt. mike - 7-10-2011 at 07:25 AM

i have over 3300 hours as pilot in command in light aircraft but the most frightening experiences of my life respective to travel have been on boats in rough seas.
the ocean is a monster.

Pescador - 7-10-2011 at 07:52 AM

I have read all of the reports here as well as all of the other major websites and the thing that really sticks out in my mind are:

The boat was reported as being underway which meant it was not on anchor and the waves hit the boat from the side. Anyone who has spent any time on a boat knows for sure you never get sideways to a wave of any size. You keep the boat going forward and at the most a small quartering may be in order,

The crew knew that things were getting dicey and all were reported as having on life jackets, but the passengers were never alerted that things were in trouble so that they could be on deck standing by. And the fact that only one passenger was given a "questionable" life jacket as it was going down.

The third issue was that none of the hatches, especially the fish hold were sealed up. Anytime that a boat is expecting rough situations, the first thing that competent boaters do is make sure everything is tied down, sealed off, and loose things stowed.

Probably because I wrote a weekly report for Western Outdoor News and Gene Kira, I had a lot of communications about what went on with a lot of the baja fishing scene. There was a guy on one of the other websites who used to promote this boat as a way to earn a free fishing trip. I often challenged him about his glowing reports of the operation as I knew a lot of people who had been swindled by Gustav Velez and overcharged, or received only about half of the fish that had gone into the hold, or small petty theft of reels and equipment, or being asked for a fuel surcharge when fishermen arrived in San Felipe.
I am sure we have all experienced businesses that are exceptional but it normally starts from the top down. I am just sorry that I was not more vocal about the shortcomings and negative reports of this business.

monoloco - 7-10-2011 at 08:12 AM

Well said Pescador, so many mistakes of basic seamanship were made that it adds up to gross incompetence. There is only one place for the captain of that vessel, a jail cell.

nbacc - 7-10-2011 at 08:20 AM

too bad, as it fuels the uneasy feelings about Mexico even more to the Americans who have in the past come and spent their money on vacations somewhere in Mexico.

mtgoat666 - 7-10-2011 at 08:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by nbacc
too bad, as it fuels the uneasy feelings about Mexico even more to the Americans who have in the past come and spent their money on vacations somewhere in Mexico.


you should evaluate all vessels, US or foreign, before embarking.
the US has pretty good regulation of commercial vessels, but not perfect (unfortunately will be less regulation if republicans get their opportunity to gut government).
foreign vessels, particularly in poor countries w/o inspections/laws, are often below US standards, you should always ask about safety and inspect vessel before embarking.

fyi, the pangas are probably more dangerous than boats like the erik. pangas are single engine, small, and open - and go pretty far off shore. mex pangas usually don't have navigation equipment or lights, and have little safety equip beyond life vests - which most gringos don't wear but use as seat cushions.
the mex pangas have hand-held radios that are not waterproof (may be water resistant). in case of capsize, panga radios are unlikely to be usable.

the world is full of risks. regardless,...

don't worry, be happy
just do it!

DENNIS - 7-10-2011 at 08:48 AM

And...Mexico doing what they do, will eventually blame the excessive negative press on the temporary demise of the Gulf sport fishing industry although business will return to normal, in time. The favored clients of these businesses have short memories.


.

[Edited on 7-10-2011 by DENNIS]

Jack Swords - 7-10-2011 at 09:22 AM

Having sailed all over the Sea of Cortez on both sides and the entire length, we are aware of the sudden change in Wx that happens frequently. The change is much more dramatic than in the Pacific off CA. That said, we have taken many fishing trips in local pangas in the Sea and offshore in the Pacific and never saw life jackets, nor a VHF radio. We carry our own jackets (inflatable) and hand-held radio. Dive boats off La Paz do however. Sitting in the c-ckpit of our boat we frequently see a coast guard big panga heading in to the station and stopping off the marina where the crew puts their life jackets on before continuing on to the station.

Roberto - 7-10-2011 at 09:45 AM

Yes, Pescador, you are right on about the reputation of this boat and its owner.

Even my friend yesterday was much less than complimentary about it. It has had trouble of different kinds many times.

It has been reported that the captain had been warned not to leave port that day because of upcoming weather changes. I'm not sure about this one, given the swiftness of weather changes in the area, but if it is indeed true, I wonder about the fact that so much time passed before the accident was reported. Wouldn't an extra measure of caution, e.g., frequent communications be warranted in a situation like this? I know I would have considered it so. And, as Pescador points out, the report that the crew was all on deck, with lifejackets, is particularly troubling. Can't think of anything more unprofessional/criminal, if true. And this kind of report regarding on a U.S. flagged vessel would be viewed extremely dimly by the USCG , I can tell you that. We'll se if the U.S. government raises any sort of request for an investigation on this matter.

What I fear will happen, based on past history, is that regardless of what actually happened and how many dead there are at the end of the day, this story will just fade into the folklore of another Mexican story.

wessongroup - 7-10-2011 at 10:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
115' boat is a monster. Still don't see how it's possible.


I can tell you that riding a 120 ft boat in 50 foot swells and 60+ knot winds will make you understand a 115 ft boat is an ant.

-------

looking at the pics of stacked UPRIGHT pangas, it may be that the pangas filled from a rogue wave, and with open hatches doors allowing filling of ship, the boat was never able to right itself.
those pangas should have been stored on deck upside down.


Ya mean like this......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvtwo2ugwU8

CORDONAZO

Skeet/Loreto - 7-10-2011 at 12:49 PM

If you are interested in what may have happened in this instance, I would suggest that you get a copy of BAJA SEA GUIDE and look through and read about the "Whip Storms" that happen very suddenly. It seems as if this may have happened.

a Whip storm hiet loreato one morning about 11 AM. Blew Windows offr of their Hinges and also took down the Transformer Boses in front of the Hotel S=Oasis.

Tio Don and I were in the Hurricane Lisa in 73 and we both agreeded that this Sudden Whip Storm had Winds much Higher and stronger.

A large Vessel like this one was caught in front of Loreto just off Shore and had to keep turning into the Changing Winds.
It was somewhat like a Toronado.

The records show that the last such storm to Hit San Felipe area was in 1967, Any body know of a more recent "Whip Storm" in that Area.???
.

Toney Reyes held up

doradodan - 7-10-2011 at 01:54 PM

Was just down at the marina, The Tony Reyes has been held up by the officials double checking the certificates, and safety equipment, all the clients are upset because they should be underway.

Woooosh - 7-10-2011 at 02:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
And...Mexico doing what they do, will eventually blame the excessive negative press on the temporary demise of the Gulf sport fishing industry although business will return to normal, in time. The favored clients of these businesses have short memories.
[Edited on 7-10-2011 by DENNIS]


Experienced charter anglers know if a boat is seaworthy or not. At least they get a gut feeling one way or the other for the boat, the crew or both. I would guess the Erik catered to large groups and even if a few anglers had second thoughts on safety, peer pressure got them on board with their friends. This boat didn't look "right" to me, but it was the two 40' rogue waves that took it down, not a specific problem with the boat (with the exception of possible top-heaviness). jmho

Cypress - 7-10-2011 at 02:20 PM

The boat went down. Happens every now and then. Rogue wave or waves did it to it. Blame the boat, the crew, the captain, the weather. Happens every now and then. Rogue wave or waves ............

+

Woooosh - 7-10-2011 at 02:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cypress
The boat went down. Happens every now and then. Rogue wave or waves did it to it. Blame the boat, the crew, the captain, the weather. Happens every now and then. Rogue wave or waves ............

+

Same with airliners. Caca Pasa.

Cypress - 7-10-2011 at 02:28 PM

Yep!

David K - 7-10-2011 at 03:13 PM

Skeet, what page(s) is/are 'whip storms' on?

I have the Baja Sea Guide (c1971) and could share the page here for others to see. The book is almost 40 years out-of-print (last printing 1973) and may be quite difficult to find or reasonably priced.

'Cordonazo' is another name for Isla Partida, but nothing on that page I could see (331).

[Edited on 7-10-2011 by David K]

JZ - 7-10-2011 at 03:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by JZ
115' boat is a monster. Still don't see how it's possible.


I can tell you that riding a 120 ft boat in 50 foot swells and 60+ knot winds will make you understand a 115 ft boat is an ant.


Yeah I realize that. But you think the waves were close to 50'? I just don't see a fast moving thunderstorm creating waves anywhere near that size. I'd guess much closer to 8-10' with some bigger sets. Pretty damn rough, but that boat should handle it.

Was it blowing hard for hours? And just got worst? Because it's not gonna blow 60 mph for a short period of time and make a 50' wave. And if it was blowing for hours it'd be rough as hell and I can't see anyone in their rooms trying to sleep. The one guy that was interviewed said he was awaken by his friend.

It couldn't have been that rough if 5 guys could find and hold on to a cooler.

And how could another dozen guys get in a 20' panga (although it doesn't say how soon they got in it after the boat sank).

Something just doesn't add up to me.


[Edited on 7-11-2011 by JZ]

Bajahowodd - 7-10-2011 at 04:01 PM

I'm just guessing here, but I think Skeet is trying to say that what happened last week South of San Felipe may not be anyone's fault.

Bajahowodd - 7-10-2011 at 04:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
Quote:
Originally posted by Cypress
The boat went down. Happens every now and then. Rogue wave or waves did it to it. Blame the boat, the crew, the captain, the weather. Happens every now and then. Rogue wave or waves ............

+

Same with airliners. Caca Pasa.


I mentioned way back, but I'm motivated to repeat. Americans have created a culture that involves the blame game.

Somebody has to pay for this!

Even if the truth is that it was virtually unavoidable.

Insurance companies use the term "act of God".

Skeet/Loreto - 7-10-2011 at 04:26 PM

David: The story about the San Felipe is in the Section about That area. The other is in the Midriff Section. I will look them up tommorrow and post the Numbers.

After spending so many years on the Sea of Cortez, in my Opinion the Erick looked a little Top heavy. But I am an Ole Timer who does not jump right in and start "Blaming people". I was in the Middle of a Whip Storm that Hit Loreto and know what can Happen.
There were 11 Pangaeros out fishing that morning with out any Idea of the Storm happening.

The very Short and fast Moving Waves would suddenly change Directions. It blew two Pangas Loaded with Fisherman completely to the Top of the Beach. First time I ever saw Water that close to the palapa. I was holding two windows and the Wind took them apart without breaking the Glass.Hinges and Screws.


Wwood, as happens so much these days the first thing people{some People} start Blaming and calling People Names. Too Bad.
May God be with all those who did not Survive.

Skeet/Loreto

toneart - 7-10-2011 at 04:34 PM

Skeet-

Are Whip Winds different than Chabascos?

bonanza bucko - 7-10-2011 at 04:58 PM

Re "The Blame Game:"
I have a buddy who lives in The Bay Area (San Francisco Bay) who has told me the following stuff about the news coverage of this tragedy there...they are very interested because many of those aboard were from that area:

1.)News reports on TV and in the print press displayed anger and wonder why "Alfonsina's Resort didn't dispatch their helicopter" when the accident was reported.

2.)Another report on TV said that Erik sank "In the Gulf of Mexico."

3.)Some reports thought that the pangueros who were trying to rescue the people in the water were Mexican gummint officials

4.)It was reported that some of the men who were overboard from Erik had used their cell phones to call for help....nobody could imagine that anywhere on earth was deprived of cell phone coverage

5.)The sinking took place "near San Felipe."

Now, this stuff is just another disgusting example of the complete incompetence and/or laziness of the press in The Bay Area...and everywhere else too. They pretty easily could have gotten much more of the straight scoop by a look at a map of Baja, a call to a Mexican consulate or a quick visit to this web site.
BB :-(

Skeet/Loreto - 7-10-2011 at 05:09 PM

Good Post Bucko:

I am begining to think that as I read the "Cowards" words blaming everything on the Captain or GWB. theat they are actuall y "Cowards" who would never take a chance to do anything unless they were Guranteed by the Govt. some Money if they go Hurt.

Bucko, I know that you are a Pilot and still remember meeting you at St. Innez so many years ago. All the time you were flying back and forth to the Bay, and I flying around Loreto I never remember thinking that someone else or a Govt. was responsible for my Actions.
I feel very sorry for those Poor Souls, How do they sleep at nite worried about there Poor Lives with no Adventure, No Risk, NoSense, No Love!!


Yes , one part of our Society is going to Hell in a Handbasket, setting around their Computer, blaming everything that happens on Something. How Childish can they be???

Skeet/Loreto - 7-10-2011 at 05:17 PM

Toneart:

Yes: The Chabascos most alwasys come from the South and are usually a straight line Wind. Most of the time you can see them coming and get into safe cover or get your Panga pulled up, The Waves are of long lenght.

The "Whip Storm is formed out in the middle of the Sea or as in the case of 1967 San Felipe about 30 miles South.
It acts very similar to a Tornado forming on the water and moving toward the Shoreline.

The Waves formed or Short but powerfull and change directions rapidly.

From the Sea Guides and Sailing Directions the Sea of Cortez is the only place that kind of Storm Forms.

Fishermen recount surviving Sea of Cortez sinking

BajaNews - 7-10-2011 at 06:19 PM

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iNDSxsb07O...

By PAUL ELIAS

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — By Friday, most of the survivors of a Sea of Cortez fishing trip that turned deadly had straggled home to Northern California, carrying harrowing tales of being lost at sea for hours.

"It is something I will never forget," said Gary Wong of Berkeley. Wong spent more than 15 hours floating on a safety ring and paddling to shore after the 105-foot fishing boat Erik sank after getting hit by two big waves during a violent storm early Sunday morning.

In all, 19 U.S. fishermen — mostly from Northern California on an annual Fourth of July trip — and 16 Mexican crew members made it safely to dry land. One man, Leslie Yee of Ceres, was found drowned on a remote island beach and seven other Americans remain missing.

Pius "Pete" Zuger of Novato said the trouble began at 10 p.m. Saturday, several hours after the fisherman boarded for the weeklong fishing excursion. That's when the weather began to turn nasty and the wind began to blow hard from the southeast. The locals call it "El Torito" — little bull — because the storm packs such a powerful punch.

Zuger said he was awakened around 2:30 a.m. by cabin mate Jim Miller who was screaming, "The boat is sinking, get out!"

Zuger, 73, jumped out of the top bunk as the ship listed dramatically. He considered putting on his pants with money in a water proof wallet, but put on his swim suit instead.

"I had no doubt that there was going to be swimming involved," Zuger said.

His cabin was on the ship's deck, and Zuger wasted little time jumping into the 80-degree water of the Sea of Cortez.

Zuger was floating on an ice chest when one of the Erik's smaller fishing boats known as a panga appeared, listing badly and partially submerged. But Zuger clambered aboard with another fisherman, Joe Beeler. Then they bailed out the powerless 20-foot boat, which would prove to be the salvation of 13 castaways.

Their best chance for quick rescue was if the crew managed to transmit a distress signal before the Erik sank. But Zuger and Beeler hoped for the best and prepared for the worst, collecting seaweed for fishing line and stowing tiny crabs found on the plants.

"The first thing we said to each other after settling in is that we are together. We made a pact to stay together," Zuger said in a phone interview Friday from his Novato home.

When dawn broke and there were no helicopters in the air or boats on the horizon, the pair knew no signal had been given. The captain and crew said later that they had no time to send an SOS because the boat had sunk so quickly after getting knocked on its side by a big wave. A second wave knocked the ship completely over.

Mexican officials said the cause of the capsizing is under investigation, and a report on the accident should be ready in about 10 days.

"We're reviewing the records of the ship, but I can tell you it had a steel hull, and it had been operating for years in this area," said Jose Luis Rios Hernandez, Port Captain in Ensenada who is helping with the investigation. "The truth is that the weather conditions (the Erik faced) could have done the same to any boat of that size."

Zuger, who spent six years as a machinist in the Swiss merchant marine in the 1960s, and other fishermen complained that the crew didn't alert the passengers to the sinking and that all the crew had life vests but most of the passengers had to fend for themselves.

Baja Sportsfishing Inc., which owns the Erik, didn't respond to phone and email messages Friday. Crew members told investigators that the boat sank too fast to sufficiently warn all the passengers.

Alejandro Bermudez, 32, an assistant cook on the boat, said the crew assisted passengers.

"The first thing we did was to open the tourists' cabins and shout that they needed to get out," Bermudez said. "We helped some of them put their life vests on; others already had them on because they were woken up when the boat got on its side."

Zuger went into the water without a vest. So did Gary Wong of Berkeley, who said his brother woke him up to the peril.

Unlike Zuger, the four Wong brothers' berth was in the bottom of the Erik and they were among the last to leave the ship.

With the port side sinking fast, Wong made it to the deck. He grabbed a rail on the starboard side and held tight as the water rose.

"Help me, help me," Wong heard from the bottom of the increasingly sloped deck. He could see a fellow fisherman pinned between two cabinets, unable to move.

And then, just like that, Wong was washed into the Sea of Cortez. "I can't believe I'm going to die a day after retiring," said Wong, a Berkeley resident who retired July 1 from his job as a senior water treatment operator for the East Bay Municipal Utility District.

When he surfaced, Wong made his way to a raft and a large safety ring lashed together. A crew member pulled him aboard the ring, and they were soon joined by fellow fisherman Jim Miller.

Once aboard, he began to get sick and shake from the chills. He said he vomited on the back of Miller, who laughed it off and allowed Wong to bear hug for several hours in an attempt to warm up.

By dawn, the raft and ring were full of crew and passengers. Wong said the crew began to squabble among themselves over which direction to paddle. The crew decided to cut the ring from the raft and they went separate ways.

Wong had earlier fished his ice chest from the water — and it contained orange juice and vitamin water that they rationed. The fluids were rationed throughout the day.

After floating for more than 10 hours, the people on the ring spotted Zuger's panga and frantically hailed it. The two parties were united.

Late Sunday afternoon, Zuger took command. With the fishermen using cooler lids as paddles, the panga finally landed on a remote beach, and Zuger and Beeler reached a house a mile away.

The occupants, a family from Chula Vista, Calif., rushed down the beach in their jeep and scooped up the rest of the castaways. The family served the bedraggled group "the most delicious ceviche" and water. They offered clothes and shoes.

"They were so gracious," Zuger said. "They were the most wonderful, helping people."

About 90 minutes later, an Army helicopter landed on the beach nearby and the castaways had been rescued.

Two of Wong's brothers made it to shore while his brother, Brian, remains among the missing.

----

Associated Press writers Olga Rodriguez in Mexico City and Mariana Martinez in San Felipe contributed to this report.

----

Photo:

Bruce Yee, student of letters in Beijing, 39, son of Les Yee, who died at the accident of the fishing vessel the Erik, which capsized Sunday, walks at the beach of Punta Bufeo, Mexico, Thursday, July 7, 2011. (Photo by Alexandre Meneghini)

bruce-yee.jpg - 49kB

Search Goes on in Baja

BajaNews - 7-10-2011 at 06:21 PM

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Search-Goes-on-in-Baja-...

Jul 10, 2011

The U.S. Coast Guard said it will continue to aid in search efforts Sunday for a charter fishing boat carrying Bay Area residents that sank a week ago off the Baja California Coast.

The Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircrew, which was brought into the search at the request of the Mexican navy, completed its fifth search Saturday of a 1,019-square mile area in the Sea of Cortez near Isla San Luis, Mexico, Coast Guard officials said.

The Coast Guard has searched approximately 3,200 square miles of ocean and land, working with the Mexican navy and federal police. No signs of the seven people still missing from the boat have been found, according to the Coast Guard.

wessongroup - 7-10-2011 at 06:39 PM

"quick visit to this web site"

Ditto's ... this place kicks into another gear when "trouble" arises...

Plus the coverage ain't too bad either.... I'm sure more than a few have relatives and/or friends all over the country of Mexico... that would to help too...

Thanks to all... as it all helps... and sure is fun to watch happen...

Bajahowodd - 7-10-2011 at 06:45 PM

"fun"?

Perhaps a poor choice of words????

DENNIS - 7-10-2011 at 06:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNews
Photo:

Bruce Yee, student of letters in Beijing, 39, son of Les Yee, who died at the accident of the fishing vessel the Erik, which capsized Sunday, walks at the beach of Punta Bufeo, Mexico, Thursday, July 7, 2011. (Photo by Alexandre Meneghini)



So sad. DEP

monoloco - 7-10-2011 at 07:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Good Post Bucko:

I am begining to think that as I read the "Cowards" words blaming everything on the Captain or GWB. theat they are actuall y "Cowards" who would never take a chance to do anything unless they were Guranteed by the Govt. some Money if they go Hurt.

Bucko, I know that you are a Pilot and still remember meeting you at St. Innez so many years ago. All the time you were flying back and forth to the Bay, and I flying around Loreto I never remember thinking that someone else or a Govt. was responsible for my Actions.
I feel very sorry for those Poor Souls, How do they sleep at nite worried about there Poor Lives with no Adventure, No Risk, NoSense, No Love!!


Yes , one part of our Society is going to Hell in a Handbasket, setting around their Computer, blaming everything that happens on Something. How Childish can they be???
Come on Skeet, you were in the navy, you should know that when mistakes are made on a ship it's the captain who is responsible. It's pretty obvious that many mistakes were made that turned what should have just been a rough night at sea into a tragedy.

Skipjack Joe - 7-10-2011 at 08:40 PM

One factor that greatly increases the size of the waves in the upper Cortez is current. When the current is flowing in a direction opposite to the wind large seas are generated. The size of these waves is in direct proportion to the two opposing forces.

I used to think that these waves built up locally over submerged reefs but in fact they occur in the deep main channels as well. We watched them appear and diminish every day.

So when the question is asked how a 50' wave was created in the cortez with a short fetch - that could account for some of it.

wessongroup - 7-10-2011 at 08:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
"fun"?

Perhaps a poor choice of words????


Was thinking of positive examples of working together to help others... here on the board... like helping Mike out on his trip.. Bio Sphere's, real estate, animals, auto repair, et al .... ...

Death .... is what it is... and my feelings for the family are only ones of heartfelt sadness, and a wish of "strength" in dealing with their loss...

The reason really don't matter, at this point in time, only if we can learn something, which could prevent something like this in the future ... IMHO

Roberto - 7-10-2011 at 08:51 PM

I have seen that effect many times myself. Frequently in the deep channel between Angel de la Guarda and the peninsula. I have also been caught in sudden, steep seas in the wind tunnel between Punta Remedios and Los Machos on the big island. Killer. But I still have a hard time believing a 50' wave was formed. Not impossible, just doubtful. It would be such an unusual occurrence that local folks would have seen some consequence I think. But with open hatches a 20' wave set abeam would be plenty I think.

Of course, I wasn't there, as Skeet was.

mtgoat666 - 7-10-2011 at 09:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
I am an Ole Timer who does not jump right in and start "Blaming people".


no one is blaming people. people are just opining, but let me be first to blame:::

skeet: the capt and crew have to be to blame. there is no such thing as an accident. the skiffs were stored upright, and doors were open - waves filled boat(s), leading to sinking.

p.s. re wave height - doesn't matter what average wave height was, mattters what max wave height was. rogue waves are stacked waves, they happen, they are unexpected, they cause problems for people not prepared for unexpected.

vgabndo - 7-10-2011 at 09:22 PM

If the port authority recommended against sailing into those predicted weather conditions...sure as hell someone is at fault. The fish can wait, alcohol fueled fishermen 500 miles from home sometimes can't. About twenty grand had already been spent, right?

This from someone who has only once been on a Mexican boat that had a life preserver on it. Many times I put my life in the hands of a trusted boatman when I was too (insert: proud, macho, stupid) to bring my own bulky PDF down from the truck.

I'm sorry for the great loss to so many, I would hope that some of those who didn't come back might agree with me that "you can't call it an adventure if there is no uncertainty."

[Edited on 7-11-2011 by vgabndo]

mtgoat666 - 7-10-2011 at 09:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vgabndo
If the port authority recommended against sailing into those predicted weather conditions...sure as hell someone is at fault.


this story about harbormaster warning smells fishy. i really doubt the local harbormaster has a good weather forecast and weather radar. can anyone point to any useful weather forecast or weather info for SOC? i doubt harbormaster knew of a big enough storm that he would warn a large boat like the erick. i doubt any storm had formed at time of departure - that storm came 6 hours later.

David K - 7-10-2011 at 09:45 PM

Saturday was a calm, clear day south of San Felipe... None could imagine the hurricane force winds that would hit that evening... It was a 'whip storm' alright... We scrambled to take down our 'easy-up' sun shade and couldn't do it fast enough before the wind buckled the legs. The camp fire we were enjoying was blowing embers before we could cover it and Kristi's sleeping bag blew into the fire from where it was 20 feet away. The glassy sea turned to pounding surf in minutes. The strong winds and blowing sand lasted hours and only calmed as the sky was getting light the next morning. Why I called my trip report 'Freaky Fourth'...

Skipjack Joe - 7-10-2011 at 09:45 PM

When currents are involved it seems that the length of the waves (distinace from crest to crest) become shorter and the height of the waves grows as well. A sort of compression seems to be occuring. The result being that the waves are more packed and come at you sooner. The shorter wave length gives the wave a more vertical appearance and the crest breaks over the front. Such waves are way more dangerous because you have to climb their face to get past (or break through).

I speak from experience as the day after this accident we motored our 14'2" boat across the 10 mile channel from the island. Took every ounce of concentration for 2+ hours to make it back. Every individual wave had to be assessed and attacked the right way. No way would I want to be in that situation in total darkness.
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