Search expands in Sea of Cortez after fishing boat vanishes in storm

Mexican naval authorities have deployed six units and a specialized search aircraft to cover more than 9,900 square nautical miles in the Sea of Cortez, following the disappearance of a fishing boat off San Felipe, Baja California. The vessel, carrying Oscar Ulloa and his 12-year-old nephew, went missing on Saturday, October 10, as Tropical Storm Rachel brought dangerous weather to the region.

According to a Facebook post by Alistair Barradell, Ulloa's cousin, the pair had not been heard from since they departed for the fishing trip. Barradell stated that the family is seeking information from anyone who has been fishing or traveling in the area. "You never know who might see it or who might have information that could help," he wrote.

Barradell told NBC San Diego that the Mexican Coast Guard is conducting aerial searches, while the family has also hired a private plane to assist in the effort. The cause of the disappearance remains unclear; Barradell noted that while the weather turned bad during the trip, it is not certain whether the boat suffered engine trouble or experienced something more catastrophic.

Search teams reportedly located a cooler and a life jacket, but officials have not verified if these items belong to the missing vessel. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mexico was reached for comment regarding the ongoing operation.