Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard said two sailors reported missing earlier this week have been found safe more than 200 miles off the coast of Delaware.
The pair -- Kevin Hyde, 65, and Joe Ditomasso, 76 -- and a pet dog had embarked upon a trip from Cape May, N.J., to Marathon, Fla., and were last seen Dec. 3 as they departed North Carolina's Oregon Inlet aboard Atrevida II.
On Sunday, the Coast Guard Fifth District command center was notified that the two men were overdue, sparking a search and rescue mission for their missing sailing vessel.
After combing more than 21,000-square miles of water spanning from northern Florida to east of New Jersey, authorities found their vessel Tuesday some 214 miles east of Delaware, the Coast Guard said in a statement.
"The Atrevida II was found to be without fuel and power, rendering their radios and navigation equipment inoperable," it said. "Hyde and Ditomasso gained the attention of the Silver Muna crew by waiving their arms and a flag."
The two men and the pet dog were brought aboard the tanker vessel at 4:18 p.m. and presented medical staff with no immediate concerns, officials said, adding that the pair will remain aboard Silver Muna until it makes port in New York City where they will be transferred to a Coast Guard vessel for further evaluation.
"We are overjoyed with the outcome of the case and look forward to reuniting Mr. Hyde and Mr. Ditomasso with their family and friends," said Cmdr. Daniel Schrader, spokesman for Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
