Missing US couple on stolen yacht believed to have perished

A tragic incident unfolded in the Caribbean last week as a US couple's boat was hijacked, leaving them missing and presumed dead after being thrown into the sea, Grenadian police report.

Ralph Hendry, 66, and Kathy Brandel, 71, retirees enjoying life's adventures, disappeared when their catamaran, named Simplicity, was commandeered by three men on February 19.

Authorities suspect the trio, who had escaped from jail the day prior, were aiming for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

All three suspects have since been apprehended.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Commissioner Don McKenzie of the Royal Grenada Police Force disclosed, "Information suggests that while en route between Grenada and St Vincent, they [the suspects] disposed of the occupants." He maintained a sliver of hope, acknowledging, "We have nothing conclusive to say that the individuals are dead."

Mr. McKenzie emphasized the limited nature of the information available for public release, underscoring the ongoing joint investigation by Grenadian and Vincentian authorities.

Later, Junior Simmons, spokesman for the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, described the crime scene aboard the yacht as indicating signs of violence, with items scattered on the deck and cabin and a substance resembling blood found onboard.

Mr. Simmons noted the cooperation of the escapees in the investigation, stating they had already pleaded guilty to immigration-related charges.

According to the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, of which the missing couple were members, Hendry and Brandel were seasoned cruisers, spending winters navigating the eastern Caribbean after sailing from Virginia last year.

The association, notified of the incident on February 21 when Simplicity was discovered abandoned near St Vincent, expressed shock and sadness. President Bob Osborn remarked, "This is a very upsetting event... I have never heard of anything like this."

A GoFundMe page established for the family highlighted Brandel's recent joy of becoming a grandmother and described the couple's retirement pursuits of sailing aboard Simplicity, splitting time between New England summers and Caribbean winters.

The three escapees, aged 19, 25, and 30, had been awaiting trial for robbery with violence charges, with the eldest also facing counts of rape and assault, according to the Associated Press.

Commissioner McKenzie vowed to investigate whether the escape stemmed from systemic failures or oversight during the Monday briefing.