Missing Boaters Located East of Chincoteague

June 24, 2022

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Staff Report —

Two boaters who were reported overdue after failing to return to Hampton were 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 boat the pair was in was reportedly struck by lightning after sailing through inclement weather. After rigging a spare sail, they sailed to Virginia.

The pair departed Hampton June 8 on the 36-foot sailboat Kyklades, headed to the Azores. Jones’ daughter reported the pair overdue June 17 after they did not return to Hampton, Monday as expected.

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.”

Two boaters who were reported overdue after failing to return to Hampton were 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 boat the pair was in was reportedly struck by lightning after sailing through inclement weather. After rigging a spare sail, they 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.”

To maintain the privacy of the boaters and their families, the Coast Guard is not releasing the date, time, or exact location of the vessel’s arrival.