ACAPULCO, Mexico, Nov 17 (Reuters) - The families of Mexican sailors who went missing during the devastating Hurricane Otis last month in Acapulco are pleading for more assistance in the ongoing search and recovery efforts. Frustrated by a lack of progress and government support, they are desperate for answers about their loved ones' whereabouts.

Hurricane Otis made landfall in Acapulco on October 25, wreaking havoc on the popular seaside resort city. As the most powerful storm on record to strike Mexico's Pacific coast, it claimed the lives of at least 48 people and caused extensive damage to nearly 900,000 homes.

While officials have reported 28 missing individuals, the families of the seafarers fear that the actual number is much higher. Prior to the storm's arrival, many sailors docked their boats in what they believed to be safer parts of the bay. However, they were overwhelmed by the unexpected strength of Hurricane Otis, which rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane and devastated the bay, destroying hundreds of boats in its wake.

Expressing their concerns, Yesenia Soriano, whose missing husband was a retired Mexican Navy sailor, lamented, "The authorities have greatly downplayed the severity of the situation for our missing loved ones."

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has denied unconfirmed reports that suggest a death toll of over 300 due to Hurricane Otis. He affirmed the government's commitment to allocate substantial resources to Acapulco's recovery efforts, stating that they are investing "like never before" in rejuvenating the city.

However, Susana Ramos Villa, whose husband is missing, called for more government assistance for those unable to venture out to sea in search of their relatives. "That's all we want, that they give us the necessary help and means, and we will do the rest."

Efforts to locate the missing sailors are ongoing, with around 30-40 people engaged in search and recovery operations, according to Alejandro Alexander González, an Acapulco Port official. Prioritizing the identification and retrieval of bodies, authorities are intensively scouring the area.

The economic toll of Hurricane Otis on Acapulco is staggering, with Mexican business groups estimating the city's damage at approximately $16 billion. Additionally, the Mexican Association of Insurance Companies foresees a payout of about 11.4 billion pesos ($662 million) in claims.

As the families of missing sailors continue their emotional and desperate plea for assistance, it remains to be seen how the government and local authorities will respond to their calls for support and the ongoing recovery efforts in Acapulco.