Lt. Elizabeth Buendia, Command Center chief public affairs officer of the Coast Guard on Guam, said the search and rescue operation for Ray Quichocho — not the Saipan lawyer — his wife and two children will continue today.
The team will then evaluate whether it will continue the search.
A CG C-130 plane from Honolulu flew to the Marianas to help in the search operation.
Quichocho last contacted authorities about 10 miles off the coast of Guam’s Two Lovers Point.
A 44-mile distance separates Guam from Rota and the Quichochos’ boat should have reached Rota in less than 48 hours.
But the Quichochos never made it to Rota.
Boating tips
Buendia said anyone planning to make a sea voyage in the Pacific Ocean should file a float plan with the Guam Fire and Rescue stations in Agat or Hagåtña or the relevant authorities in the case of the Northern Marianas.
The float plan should have information about where the boat is going and when it is expected to return.
Buendia said seafarers are also advised to carry extra fuel, food and water.
They must also be equipped with tools that will assist them in case of mechanical emergencies.
Their boat should also be equipped with the required visual distress signals such as flares and lights.
A working radio is a must.
For more information about boating safety and regulations, call the Coast Guard at 671-355-4835. For maritime emergencies, call 564-USCG.
