Seven U.S. boaters still missing

SAN FELIPE, Mexico -- They are fathers, fiances and experienced fishermen.

The seven U.S. tourists still missing two days after their boat capsized off Mexico's coast went to sea as they had for several years on the U.S. Independence Day holiday: They wanted to fish and have a good time.

One American tourist, besides the seven missing, has been confirmed dead. He was identified by Mexican officials as Leslie Yee of Ceres, Calif.

Yesterday, the shipmates who survived the wreck anxiously awaited word as the Mexican navy and the U.S. Coast Guard expanded their search in the Gulf of California, holding out hope that the missing were able to survive in the gulf's balmy waters.

Mexican navy Capt. Ruben Bustos said resources are being increased and the search area has moved south of Gonzaga Bay, a coastal town south of the port of San Felipe, where efforts were concentrated Monday.

Rescue teams are also coordinating efforts with officials across the gulf in the northern state of Sonora because shipwreck survivors in the region sometimes are swept far away by fast tides.

"Every hour he's still missing, hope gets hit with reality," said Gary Wong, referring to his younger brother, Brian, 54, of Berkeley, who is among the missing tourists.

A local TV station in California erroneously reported that Brian Wong, who works in personnel for Alameda County and has two grown daughters, was among the dead, leaving the family to calm his frantic wife.

Survivor Lee Ikegami had to identify the body of his close friend Yee Monday, just a day after being rescued.

Ikegami's wife, Murphy Ikegami, was told Yee's body washed up on shore.

A sudden storm struck early Sunday, capsizing the 115-foot vessel, the Erik. The crew and the fishermen clung to coolers, rescue rings and life vests for more than 16 hours.

The navy and other fishing boats plucked 19 fishermen and all 16 crew members from the water late Sunday. The vessel sank about 60 miles south of San Felipe.