Missing New Jersey boaters headed to Florida found safe off Delaware coast
CAPE MAY, New Jersey -- Two missing boaters who departed Cape May, New Jersey last month in a 30-foot sailboat have been found safe.
According to the United States Coast Guard, 65-year-old Kevin Hyde, 76-year-old Joe Ditomasso and a dog named "Minnie" were found 214 miles east of Delaware on Tuesday. The men are being taken to New York for evaluation.
The boaters set sail on the vessel "Atrevida II" from Utsch's Marina in Cape May on November 26.
But family members lost communication after their stop on December 3 in North Carolina.
"I texted Kevin, I said, 'Kev as soon as your phone has service please call or text, we're worried about your safety.' I've been calling and texting both but nothing," family friend Dan Sekel told Action News on Monday night.
But 10 days later, the boaters found themselves off course.
The Coast Guard says the "Atrevida II" was found to be without fuel and power, rendering their radios and navigation equipment inoperable.
Family members told WABC-TV's sister station Action News they were waving a red flag and caught the attention of a nearby tanker around 4:18 p.m. Tuesday. They were evaluated by the vessel's medical staff with no immediate concerns.
"This is an excellent example of the maritime community's combined efforts to ensure safety of life at sea," said Cmdr. Daniel Schrader, spokesperson for Coast Guard Atlantic Area. "We are overjoyed with the outcome of the case and look forward to reuniting Mr. Hyde and Mr. Ditomasso with their family and friends."
The boaters and the dog will be reunited with family in New York.
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