Family missing at sea: An unsolved mystery (+video)

[morningfog]

Monterey, Calif. Authorities have turned to the public in hopes of identifying a family that sent a series of distress calls saying their boat was sinking far off the Central California coast.

"There is still no information on where the boat was coming from, where it was going or who the people on board are," said Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Mike Lutz.

The unidentified family of four — including two children under 8 — had been sailing a small vessel Sunday west of Monterey Bay. Forecasters had issued a weekend advisory warning boaters of rough seas in the area, and water temperatures typically are in the 40s and 50s, making long-term survival difficult.

The group made its first distress call late Sunday afternoon, Coast Guard Lt. Heather Lampert said. Investigators used the boat's radio signal and radar to determine the call came from an area about 60 miles west of Monterey.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2013/0226/Family-missing-at-sea-An-unsolved-mystery-video

[rusty fender]

1. Here's hoping that they're ok

[cbayer]

2. Not looking good at all. That's pretty far offshore.