Xcalak, Q.R. — State authorities say the search will continue for three area fishermen who went missing Monday during the first day of the Cold Front that caused strong wind gusts and sea swells.
The search for the three was initially called off by the Navy after two days of searching failed to locate the missing men. The families were told they would have to raise approximately 18,000 peso to pay for an aircraft to provide flyovers along the Belize border, which is where the trio may have drifted.
Adrián Martínez Ortega of la Coordinación Estatal de Protección Civil (COEPROC) said they, along with other federal agencies, would support those who are out looking for the men. Estatal de Protección Civil has provided boat fuel, food and water to local fishermen who are helping in the search.
Participating in the on-going rescue operation are the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), the Andrés Quintana Roo Cooperative of local fishermen, Capitanía de Puerto de Xcalak, COEPROC and the Secretary of the Navy who will provide helicopter flyovers. The Coast Guard of Belize is also helping to locate the missing men.
Cristian Enrique Valencia Cab, Francisco Arturo Cordero and Luis Ángel Clara Miravette, the three missing men, set out Monday in their fishing vessel María Eloída, but failed to reach their destination of Banco Chinchorro. Officials say that due to the strong currents, it is possible they were dragged into international waters.
