A search is underway in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico for a US sailor after his catamaran was found washed up on a beach near the town of Loreto, according to a report from Latitute 38 magazine.

Published 3 years ago

Source:  Latitude 38 Magazine

Local officials believe Marina del Rey sailor William ‘Bill’ Walter Austin III may have fallen overboard during recent heavy winds in the areas.  Austin’s Fountaine Pajot 39 catamaran, The Cat, was found washed up on a beach north of Nopolo, near Loreto, on March 12.

Austin’s personal belongings, including his identification and his dog Stogie, were found on board. Maritime communities, both local and on social media, are rallying to help find the missing sailor.

Senor Javier Chávez Davis from LORETO B.C.S. said on his Facebook page that Civil Protection in Loreto had not been able to locate Mr. Austin, but that a land and maritime search would continue.

The Director of the Institution, Enrique Hernandez Brandi asked that anyone who had any information should contact officials in the municipality of Loreto, on the east coast of the Baja Peninsula, not far from where the catamaran ran aground. 

“It is feared that the catamaran owner has fallen into the sea due to the strong winds that appeared in past days, as inside the ship all his belongings were found in full order and his pet dog was still on board,” said Senor Brandi.

Anyone with information to aid the search efforts, is asked to call 6121679946 (Mexico: +52) Municipal Civil Protection Offices, State Civil Protection, Puerto Loreto Captain or ENSAR.

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Related Links

Search Underway for Missing Sailor (Latitude 38)

Senor Javier Chávez Davis LORETO B.C.S.Facebook Page

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