FISHING YouTuber Mikey Rijavec has been found dead, five days after sending a desperate mayday call off the coast of Mexico.
The popular host of YouTube channel SD Fish and Sips vanished on November 11 while out at sea near Baja California, according to NBC.
He had radioed in engine trouble before the call suddenly cut out.
A huge hunt involving US and Mexican authorities was launched immediately.
But on Sunday the worst was confirmed.
Mikey’s heartbroken brother Gregory revealed his body had been pulled from the water near San Cristobal.
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He shared the update on a GoFundMe page set up to support the massive search effort.
Gregory said it was finally “time for the countless people involved in the search to rest”.
He added: “As difficult as it is to accept this, we’re grateful it gives us some closure.”
Mikey’s 14ft skiff was discovered five miles from shore but its small outboard engine was missing.
The five-day search saw the U.S. Coast Guard, Mexican Navy, local fishermen, private pilots and ground crews all join forces.
Gregory said the hunt for his brother was powered by “love” from people who knew him and many who didn’t.
He described Mikey as someone who “made every person he came in contact with better”, calling him mindful, positive and full of life.
Close friend Phil Friedman also paid tribute, saying Mikey brought “joy, laughter and passion” to the fishing community.
He added: “His absence leaves a huge void. Rest easy, brother.”
