The person at the center of this case
Daniel Lester Jones
Missing Person · Open - Unsolved
37 years waiting · since 1989
Missing Person: Daniel Lester Jones
Justice for Daniel Lester Jones — the trail went cold in 1989, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1Why were both men's bodies never found despite extensive search efforts in a relatively contained area near St Lazaria Island?
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vehicle
Lead #2What was the condition and location of Daniel Novcaski's 17-foot fiberglass boat when discovered?
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witness
Lead #3Were there any other fishing vessels or witnesses in the area on September 9, 1989 who might have observed the two men or their boats?
Daniel Lester Jones, a 25-year-old fisherman, disappeared on September 9, 1989, during a boating accident near St Lazaria Island off Sitka, Alaska. Jones and fishing companion Daniel Novcaski transferred from Jones' 13-foot Boston Whaler to Novcaski's larger boat to continue fishing, but neither man returned as expected. Jones' abandoned boat was found anchored offshore with supplies still aboard, and both men are presumed deceased, though their bodies have never been recovered.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4The presence of fresh halibut on the abandoned Boston Whaler suggests the men had been actively fishing—what circumstances would cause them to abandon a functioning boat with supplies?
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP67223. Missing person: Daniel Lester Jones.
Last known contact: 1989-09-09 in Sitka, Sitka, AK. Circumstances: Daniel Jones was last seen on 09/09/1989 during a boating accident near St Lazaria Island by Sitka.
He is missing with Daniel Novcaski (MP #66748). Per media, Daniel Jones' 13' Boston Whaler was found not long after the search for the two men began.
The boat was anchored just offshore from St Lazaria and had food, gas, and some halibut on board. The two men are believed to have left the smaller boat there and continued fishing from Daniel Novcaski's larger 17' fiberglass shift.
The two men did not return when expected and the wife of one of the men reported them missing. Both men are presumed to be deceased but their bodies have never been found.
Demographics: 25 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 11 in, 160 lbs, hair: Blond/Strawberry, eyes: Blue.
Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | 890066326.
Timeline of Events
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1989-09-09
Boating accident and disappearance
Daniel Jones and Daniel Novcaski disappeared near St Lazaria Island while fishing. Jones' 13-foot Boston Whaler was found anchored offshore with food, gas, and halibut aboard. The men had transferred to Novcaski's larger 17-foot fiberglass boat to continue fishing.
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1989-09-09
Abandoned vessel discovery
Jones' Boston Whaler was discovered anchored just offshore from St Lazaria with supplies still on board, indicating an unexpected departure.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 9, 1989
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:September 9, 1989
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous