…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva.
Three American sailors who were sailing from Mazatlan, Mexico to San Diego have been missing for almost two weeks.
Kerry O’Brien, Frank O’Brien, and William Gross, the captain, were aboard the 44-foot La Fitte sailboat named Ocean Bound when they mysteriously disappeared after departing the Port of Mazatlan on April 4.
Missing Stop and No Record of Arrival
The trio had planned to stop at the Port of Cabo San Lucas for provisions en route to San Diego on April 6.
However, there is no record of their arrival, and the Coast Guard stated that “there was no record of them arriving in Cabo San Lucas or a report of their location.”
Experience and Last Contact
The sailors have more than 100 years of sailing experience between them and are described as experienced sailors.
Their last known contact was on April 4, when their cell phone pings showed them off the coast of Mazatlan.
Daughter’s Statement
Melissa Spicuzza, the daughter of William Gross, described her father as an experienced seaman who has been sailing for more than 50 years, and being on the water is his passion.
She said that the O’Briens had asked if her father would join them on their sailing expedition, sailing their boat back from Mazatlán, Mexico, and that “he couldn’t resist.”
Search and Rescue Operation
The District 11 Coast Guard, which covers the areas of California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, and offshore waters of Mexico and Central America, are leading the search.
They have contacted marinas throughout Baja, Mexico, but have had no sightings of the vessel.
Urgent marine information broadcasts have been issued over VHF radio, requesting all mariners to keep a lookout for the missing persons and vessel.
Commentary
The disappearance of the three sailors is a reminder of the dangers of sailing and the importance of taking precautions.
The fact that the experienced sailors have gone missing has left their families and friends distraught, and the search and rescue operation has been ongoing for almost two weeks.
We can only hope for a safe return of the missing sailors and that this serves as a reminder for all sailors to take necessary precautions when sailing.