Wreck believed to be that of missing Orange County boaters found
Officials may try to re-float the boat they believe carried Henry Sanchez, brother of O.C. congresswomen, and Penny Avila. The couple never arrived at their destination last week.
Dive teams searching for two boaters who have been missing since last week believe they found the wreckage of the couple's recreational vessel on the ocean floor off San Pedro today, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.
A boat matching the description of the 26-foot Bayliner that had been carrying Henry Sanchez, 51, and Penny Avila, 48, both of Santa Ana, was discovered at 12:20 p.m. It was found upside down on the ocean floor, five miles south of the entrance to the Los Angeles Harbor, in a depth of about 150 feet.
Based on photos of the boat and the location of the wreckage, sheriff's dive teams and the Los Angeles Port Police believe it may be the one that carried Sanchez, who is the brother of Orange County Democratic Reps. Loretta Sanchez and Linda Sanchez, and his companion, Avila.
Sheriff's and Port Police officials are developing plans to try to re-float the boat Wednesday morning. If the boat is recovered, it will be turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard for its continuing investigation.
Authorities began searching for Sanchez and Avila after a passing boater saw debris last Thursday and reported it to the Coast Guard. Searchers believe the boat may have collided with a barge. The couple had left Los Alamitos Bay for Santa Catalina Island late last Wednesday night but never arrived.
jean.merl@latimes.com
