Mexico navy: 1 American dead in Baja boat accident

11 reported missing

7/4/2011

MEXICO CITY  — The Mexican navy says one U.S. tourist has died after a fishing boat capsized in the Sea of Cortez off the Baja California peninsula.

Capt. Benjamin Pinera Gomez says the man has not yet been identified.

Pinera said Monday that eight others remain missing of the 44 people on the boat: seven tourists and one crew member.

The boat capsized in a storm early Sunday morning about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of the town of San Felipe.

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 to get help.

Pinera said the navy continued to search Monday with two helicopters and an airplane, plus a third helicopter from the U.S. Coast Guard.