Santa Rosa Friends, Family Raising Funds to Send Dive Team to Search for Missing Fishermen

Friends and family of one of the seven men missing in the waters off the eastern coast of Mexico after a fishing boat accident Tuesday started efforts to raise money for a dive team.

"Ideally, we'd like the government to send people down since seven citizens are missing," Santa Rosa resident and fundraiser organizer Lorie Goldbeck said.

Working with missing Bay Area fisherman Shawn Chaddock's brother, Darryl, and close friends, Goldbeck is heading efforts to send private divers to search for the men who have been missing since the boat, operated by the fishing excursion company Baja Sportfishing Inc., sank at 2:30 a.m. on July 3 during a fishing trip, according to the Coast Guard.

Goldbeck said a dive effort might cost around $300,000 -- necessitating community fundraising.

She has not planned any fundraisers, but five Santa Rosa restaurants have shown interest in holding an event.

"We'd love to do a poker run. Shawn loved poker and his Harley Davidson motorcycle," she said.

Her husband grew up with Chaddock and she considers him and his family close friends.

Goldbeck said a group would be at the Santa Rosa Night Market from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in downtown Santa Rosa handing out fliers to get community members involved in fundraiser efforts. She has encouraged interested businesses or people to call (707) 292-7200 or email her at goldbecks@sbcglobal.net with fundraising ideas.

According to Mexican navy officials the missing men include Don Lee, Russell Bautista, Mark Dorland, Brian Wong, Al Mein, Gene J. Leong and Shawn Chaddock.

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