Erik Survivor Michael Ng Pleads for Mexico to Find his Lost Comrades

Michael Ng from Belmont, Calif. survived the sinking of the Erik out of San Felipe, Baja, California. On July 4 of this year, the Erik, a Mexican sportfishing vessel operating out of San Felipe, Mexico sank in approximately 300 feet of water about 60 miles south of the resort town.

Ng was on Fish Talk Radio with Philip Friedman Thursday night on AM 830 Radio and told of the harrowing ordeal.

“We were thrown into a sea of fire. We were being burned by chemicals in the diesel fuel for hours after the ship sank,” he said.

Ng described 20-foot seas, having to dodge debris hurled at him by the waves, and eating Hershey kisses to stay alive.

“Next to my wife, they were probably the best kisses I’ve ever had,” he said.

Ng remains steadfast in his desire to locate the sunken vessel and locate his lost friends and comrades.

“Secretary of Tourism for Baja California Norte, Juan Tintos told us that Mexican investigators would be sent up to interview us; but no one has come,” said Ng.

Secretary of Tourism Tintos begs to differ, however.

“The Mexican investigators interviewed the survivors in San Francisco. Mexican Navy divers went down 40-meters 2 weeks ago, but because of capacity, could not go further down,” he said.

Ng also claims the Mexican Navy is doing little to locate the sunken ship. Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Foster from the 11th United States Coast Guard District confirms that the Mexican Navy told the USCG that their sonar capabilities do not extend beyond 196 feet.

“There is something that’s not right about that,” said Captain Larry Moore from Fish Talk Radio. “Most kayaks have sonars with a farther and deeper reach.”

Ng said there were only enough life jackets for the crew, and when the ship was going down in the Sea of Cortez, no life jackets were handed out by the crew. On the other hand, Ng says that every crew member had a ships life jacket.

“It’s important to repeat that there is an ongoing investigation being conducted by the federal government and we await its results. Some of the survivors have reported that they did have life jackets,” said Tintos.

“I had my own life jacket,” said Ng. “I bought it at CVS Pharmacy and brought it with me.”

“As far as we know, a meteorological situation caused the storm, high waves and strong gusts, but we will know more when the investigation is concluded,” said Tintos.

Ng however claims that while the storm contributed to the tragedy, it was crew negligence that sank the Erik. “They left the hatches open and that’s why we sank.”

The families of the lost men have established a website at www.FindOurFathers.com.

To listen to the entire interview with Michael, please click on the link below.

Listen to Michael Ng