Friday, September 2, 2011

Letter to the Secretary of Tourism, August 6

Dear Mr. Funcke,

 I am very appreciative of your diligence and cooperation to assist us in bringing our loved ones home. Sir, we have been working tirelessly for the past 36 days; fund raising, speaking to our congressional leaders, and maintaining the attention of mainstream, so when I received your email, it brought me some hope. We (7 families of the missing men) have in place a website that has gained worldwide attention and a facebook page, which since it’s inception has had 1,000,000 views. We have obtained over 4,500 world-wide signatures. We are confident that we will raise 10,000 by the end of the month. We are touched by the generosity and kindness of thousands, thus restoring our hope and faith in humanity. The world-wide support we’ve received has also reminded us the importance of man’s fundamental need to feel safe and secure as many have expressed how their fathers, uncles son's have either fished in Baja Mexico, or our avid fishermen. 

Recently, I was interviewed by our local newspaper, and my mother by our local news station. We felt it was critical to mention the graciousness and kindness of the people in San Felipe in their efforts to help us return our father’s tackle box. We have received box loads of letters from strangers and donations from those wanting to help the people in San Felipe as a result of learning about the safe return of my father’s tackle box through our use of social media and mainstream media. Survivors on the Eric; Bruce Marr, Glenn Wong, Craig Wong, and Charles Gibson reported to San Francisco Associated Press similarly, their experiences with the locals in San Felipe and how they'll never forget the angel wings spread upon them through their selfless acts of the generosity and care of strangers when they faced near death experiences. I’d happily provide this information to you to include on your website if you are interested.

Since our last correspondence, you mentioned how authorities have informed you on the estimation of the where the ship is located, with an estimation of the depth at which rests.  I am wondering, if you can obtain this information. In addition, it would be helpful to learn what type of equipment was used, number of divers, how wide of an area was searched and the hours expended for the dive (s)? We have asked our own government; State Department and Department of Defense and they were not able to provide us with this information.

With regard to the limitation on the inability to make visual contact with the ship, thus impeding dive efforts to conduct the deep water search, I am wondering if it is possible if your government is able to look for funds in various branches of the Mexican government to partner and bring our loved ones home because we can not accomplish this without your assistance. We have asked our government to do the same, but without conclusive findings on the dive your government conducted, we our left with another reminder of the “unknown,” that continues to plague us.

We plan on visiting San Felipe in the upcoming weeks. We hope we can personally thank the locals that have helped the survivors as well as my family. I respectfully appreciate your time and efforts. I hope to meet you as well to thank you in person for your guidance and facilitation in this matter.

With much appreciation,
Mandi Lee
(Daughter of Donald Lee)

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