Coast Guard Concludes Search in the Sea of Cortez

A U.S. Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircrew completed a search of a 803 square-mile area in the Sea of Cortez near Isla San Luis, Mexico, Tuesday as part of the overall search effort for seven people missing from a charter fishing boat that sank there Sunday, July 3. There are no plans for additional flights.

Throughout the case Coast Guard conducted a total of 10 aircraft missions with the Hercules C-130s out of Sacramento the HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters from Air Station San Diego and searched more than 7,303 square miles.

"I am grateful that we have such strong relationships with search and rescue officials in Mexico and well established procedures for working together," said Rear Adm. Joseph "Pepe" Castillo, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard's 11th District. "Despite the thorough search of the region by Mexican and U.S. search teams no signs of the missing men were found. Our deepest sympathies go out to all those impacted by this tragic incident," he said.

The Mexican Navy officially suspended active search operations and has no longer requested Coast Guard assistance.

This search grid illustrates the flying patterns by Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Station Sacramento and HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters from Air Station San Diego who looked for the seven missing fishermen from the vessel Erik in the Sea of Cortez, July 4-12, 2011. The Coast Guard conducted a total of 10 combined aircraft missions using the Hercules and Jayhawk and searched more than 7,303 square miles. U.S. Coast Guard graphic.

 

Source: United States Coast Guard