The person at the center of this case
Daniel Lester Jones
Missing Person · Unsolved
36 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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vehicle
Lead #1Why was Jones' 13-foot Boston Whaler found anchored with supplies still aboard? What happened to the larger 17-foot fiberglass vessel they allegedly transferred to?
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witness
Lead #2Were there any other boats or witnesses in the area near St Lazaria Island on September 9, 1989 who could account for the men's movements?
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evidence
Lead #3How long after the men went missing was the Boston Whaler discovered, and were there any signs of struggle or foul play?
Daniel Lester Jones, 25, went missing on September 9, 1989, during a boating accident near St Lazaria Island off Sitka, Alaska, along with fishing companion Daniel Novcaski. The men's 13-foot Boston Whaler was found anchored offshore with supplies still aboard, suggesting they transferred to a larger vessel and never returned. Both men are presumed deceased, but their bodies have never been recovered, leaving questions about what happened during their fishing trip.
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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.
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clue
Lead #4What was the condition and location of the halibut and other supplies found on the boat, and could this indicate when the men left the vessel?
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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 went missing during a fishing trip near St Lazaria Island. Jones' 13-foot Boston Whaler was found anchored offshore with food, gas, and halibut aboard.
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1989-09-09
Last contact
Daniel Jones last seen on September 9, 1989 in Sitka during the boating accident near St Lazaria Island.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 9, 1989
Last Updated:May 21, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:September 9, 1989
Last Updated:May 21, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous