Missing Virginia Boaters 'Safely Headed Home,' Coast Guard Says

PORTSMOUTH, VA — Two Virginia sailors who failed to return home after their boat was damaged in bad weather were located safely Friday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Yanni Nikopoulos and Dale Jones, both 65 and Virginia Beach natives, set sail from Hampton, Virginia, on June 8 and were headed to the Azores, Portugal. Jones' daughter told authorities they called her on June 13 and told her they were returning to Hampton after "heavy weather" damaged their boat, according to the Coast Guard.

The boaters were approximately 460 miles off the Virginia Beach coast when they planned to turn around.

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Jones' daughter first contacted the Coast Guard on June 17, saying she hadn't heard from them and that they were expected to return by June 20.

Officials said the pair contacted Coast Guard watchstanders to let them know they were safe. The boaters, who were located approximately 80 miles east of Chincoteague, were en route to Hampton when they contacted officials.

The pair reportedly was struck by lightning after sailing through bad weather. After rigging a spare sail, the pair was able to sail for Virginia, officials said.

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