Storm claims tourist
Published:Tuesday | July 5, 2011 | 12:00 AM
MEXICO CITY (AP):
A United States tourist died after a fishing boat capsized in an unexpected storm in the Sea of Cortez off the Baja California peninsula, the Mexican navy said yesterday.
Of the 44 people on the boat, seven United States tourists were missing along with one Mexican crew member, said navy Captain Benjamin Pineda Gomez. All others were rescued.
Pineda had no details about the man who died or his home state.
The Erik, a 100-foot (32-metre) tourist fishing boat, capsized early Sunday morning about 60 miles (100 kilometres) south of the Baja California port of San Felipe. Pineda said two giant waves hit the boat, causing it to tip over.
No one knew of the accident until Sunday afternoon, when another fishing boat rescued three people. Other reports said that at least one passenger swam ashore and had to hike to get help.
Pineda said the navy continued to search yesterday with two helicopters, an airplane and 50 personnel. The US Coast Guard is also assisting with a helicopter, he said.
The boat left San Felipe on Saturday carrying 17 crew members and 27 tourists, all US citizens, for a seven-day fishing trip, Pineda said.