Missing Bay Area Tourists in Boating Accident Could Still Be Alive

Tourists stayed alive by bobbing on vests for more than 16 hours

​Mexican rescuers have officially expanded their search for seven American tourists -- most of whom are Bay Area residents -- after their fishing boat capsized over the holiday weekend, killing one.

While it's been more than two days, rescuers told reporters they believe there is a chance some of the boaters are still alive, possibly floating in the calmer, warmer areas of the Gulf.

Rescuers found 19 of the tourists and 16 crew members hanging to life vests nearly 16 hours after a storm rocked passengers from the boat -- the Erik -- early Sunday morning.

According to news reports, the 115-foot vessel sank about 60 miles south of the port of San Felipe around 2:30 a.m. It was only the second day of what was supposed to be a weeklong fishing trip the group went on every Fourth of July holiday.