U.S. Virgin Islands marked Aug. 4 as Nicole Robin Day

Government House said August 4, 2023, was observed as "Nicole Robin Day" in the U.S. Virgin Islands, commemorating the 1973 return of Captain Loredon Boynes Sr. and his crew aboard the Nicole Robin.

According to the statement, Boynes, of St. John, and a crew of five left Key West, Florida, on July 13, 1973, on what was expected to be a five-day voyage to St. John in a new 60-foot boat named the Nicole Robin.

The U.S. Coast Guard was notified on July 21, 1973, that the vessel was missing at sea. On July 25, 1973, the boat was reported to be in Cuba with all aboard safe and in good health. Government House said the U.S. State Department began negotiations for the release of the boat and crew, which occurred 19 days later.

The statement said Boynes and the crew were held in separate jail cells in Cuba and were given rice, bread and water. It said Cuban authorities fined the Nicole Robin crew $850.52 before the vessel departed Cuban waters on August 2, 1973.

The Nicole Robin arrived in Cruz Bay, St. John, at 11 a.m. on August 4, 1973, where relatives and friends gathered at the dock and pier to welcome the crew home, according to Government House.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/territory-celebrates-nicole-robin-day-in-the-us-virgin-islands/