UPDATE/FINAL: Overdue boaters located approximately 80 miles east of Chincoteague, Virginia

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 295-8435
5th District online newsroom

UPDATE/FINAL: Overdue boaters have been located safely approximately 80 miles east of Chincoteague, Virginia

 

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The two boaters who were reported overdue after failing to return to Hampton have been located safely Friday approximately 80 miles east of Chincoteague.

The overdue boaters, Yanni Nikopoulos and Dale Jones, contacted watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Virginia command center to inform them of their safety and are now en route to Hampton.

The pair reportedly were struck by lightning after sailing through inclement weather. After rigging a spare sail, the pair sailed to Virginia.

The two mariners are not in distress and have not requested Coast Guard assistance. All concerned parties have been informed of the mariners safety. 

“We are extremely happy to learn Yanni and Dale are found and are safe," said James Cifers, operations unit watchstander in the Fifth District Command Center. "It is truly wonderful the pair will be reunited with their friends and family soon.”

Editor's note: To maintain the privacy of the boaters and their families we will not be releasing the date, time, or exact location of the vessel’s arrival.

-USCG-