Five fishermen missing off the Mexican coast near Cozumel

COZUMEL, Q. Roo — Friends and family are making a desperate plea after a group of fishermen disappeared off the coast of Quintana Roo near Cozumel, Mexico.

The five friends, including one who spends half of each year in Houston, Texas, haven’t been heard from in days, and loved ones are trying to raise money to increase search efforts.

It’s a nerve racking, tense time for friends and family. One of those missing spends half a year living with the Chaumier family in Houston. That family is desperate for answers.

Jorge de la O was in Houston visiting friends just 10 days ago. They ate crawfish and picked up fishing supplies. Jorge was the co-owner of the Anastacia, which was last reported off the coast of Cozumel on March 30.

Friends say the Anastacia is a sturdy vessel and believe Jorge, who runs a charter service, knows what he’s doing.

“I just hope they’re still on the boat and the boat’s afloat,” said Greg Chaumier. “As long as the boat is afloat, then they definitely have a fighting chance.”

Several vessels and airplanes are involved in the search.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help pay for the search. So far, more than $19,000 has been raised.

Source: khou.com