In a developing story that has captured the attention of international authorities and the sailing community, two U.S. citizens, Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, are feared missing following the hijacking of their yacht, Simplicity, in the eastern Caribbean. The incident, which is believed to involve three escaped prisoners from Grenada, has led to a multifaceted investigation spanning several islands.
The Royal Grenada Police Force announced on Friday that it was actively searching for the couple, believed to be aboard the yacht when it was taken. According to police statements, there are leads suggesting that Hendry and Brandel might have met a grim fate, although the investigation remains in its early stages. They were last seen going to a restaurant in Grenada’s capital St. George’s, on February 18.
The couple’s son stated that traces of a brutal confrontation were found on the vessel, potentially leading to their disappearance. “The interior of the boat was in total disorder,” stated Nick Buro, the child of Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry, during an interview with CNN on Sunday. “There’s no doubt that a confrontation of some kind occurred on the vessel, making us fear for their general safety, as the indicators suggest they suffered injuries.”
Buro’s parents were experienced sailors who traded their house to semi-retire on their yacht. “That boat was their universe. All of their possessions were housed in that place. Their whole existence revolved around it,” he remarked. Although the search and rescue mission is still underway, Grenadian authorities have already apprehended three men – all fugitive inmates in relation to this case.
“We’re doing all we can to uncover the truth and anticipate the steps forward, ideally leading to their safe discovery somewhere across the islands,” Buro expressed. “Nevertheless, based off the evidence uncovered from the yacht, we can’t help but fear the likelihood of their survival being grim.”
Simplicity was discovered “anchored and abandoned” off a beach on the island of St. Vincent, prompting immediate concern. The discovery was made by a fellow sailor who noted the absence of the owners and found evidence of what appeared to be a violent altercation onboard. This yacht had been part of last year’s Caribbean Rally, voyaging from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua. Hendry and Brandel, described as “veteran cruisers” and valued members of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, were spending the winter cruising the eastern Caribbean waters.
Bob Osborn, president of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, expressed his distress over the situation, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of such a violent incident in his experience of Caribbean cruising. The association, along with the victims’ families and friends, remains hopeful yet realistic about the couple’s fate, given the circumstances.
In response to the disappearance, the families of Hendry and Brandel have publicly thanked the police, local coast guards, and the community for their ongoing efforts in the search and investigation. They have also appealed to independent parties conducting searches to desist, citing concerns for safety and the complexity of the investigation.
The escaped prisoners, whose ages range from 19 to 30, had been charged with a series of violent crimes, including robbery with violence, rape, and attempted rape, prior to their escape on February 18. They were captured on Wednesday, the 21st, on the island of St. Vincent, providing a critical lead in the case.
Authorities from Grenada have dispatched senior investigators and a forensic specialist to St. Vincent to assist in the investigation, indicating the serious nature of the crimes suspected and the international cooperation involved in solving the case.
This incident has stirred significant concern among the sailing and local communities, highlighting the risks faced by cruisers in the region and prompting calls for increased safety measures. The eastern Caribbean, known for its popular sailing routes and vibrant culture, now finds itself at the center of a tragic mystery that has transcended local boundaries, drawing global attention.
As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered about the fate of Hendry and Brandel and the circumstances surrounding the hijacking of Simplicity.