yachtsman missing

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Credit card rates
• Balance transfer credit cards
• Business credit cards
• Cash back credit cards
• Rewards credit cards
• Travel credit cards
• Checking accounts
• Online checking accounts
• High-yield savings accounts
• Money market accounts
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Car insurance
• Home buying
• Options pit
• Investment ideas
• Research reports
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Americans missing from boat in the Caribbean: A timeline

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

It's been over one week since an American couple went missing from their yacht in the Caribbean after three escaped prisoners boarded their boat.

Police said Monday that Ralph Hendry and his wife, Kathy Brandel, are likely dead, however, their bodies have not been found.

Here's how the case has unfolded:

Hendry and Brandel, from Falls Church, Virginia, were last seen alive by their boating neighbor at the dock in Grenada on Feb. 18, according to Hendry's sister, Suellen Desmarais.

The couple, married for 27 years, had been living on their yacht, Simplicity, since they sold their home in 2013.

MORE: American husband and wife missing in Caribbean are likely dead, authorities say

On the morning of Feb. 19, the neighbor said the couple and their boat were gone, according to Desmarais.

Three escaped prisoners allegedly stole the couple's boat before heading to the nearby island of St. Vincent, where they arrived on the yacht on Feb. 19, police said.

The three suspects were arrested on Feb. 21 and are cooperating with investigators, police said.

MORE: American couple missing in Caribbean after fugitives allegedly steal their yacht: Police

On Feb. 26, Junior Simmons, head of the public relations and complaints department at Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, said investigators determined "the suspects committed several criminal acts, including bodily harm, to the couple."

Police processed the scene on the yacht and found signs of violence, Simmons said.

"Several items were strewn on the deck," Simmons said, and in the cabin was "a red substance that resembled blood."

"Based on the investigation thus far it is presumed that Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel are deceased," Simmons said.

Their bodies have not been found.

The three suspects have appeared in a St. Vincent court on immigration-related charges and pleaded guilty, police said. Sentencing was scheduled for March 4, police said.

On Feb. 27, Henry's son, Bryan Hendry, and Brandel's son, Nick Buro, said in a statement, "We are incredibly saddened to hear the news that our parents Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry are now presumed dead. We remain optimistic in the ongoing search."

"Ralph and Kathy lived a life that most of us can only dream of, sailing the eastern coast of the United States, living on their home Simplicity, making friends with everyone they encountered, singing, dancing and laughing with friends and family," the sons said. "We are grateful to have been raised by the strongest people that we will ever know, and we hope that we can follow in their footsteps and strive to be even half as wonderful as them."

"While the end of their life may have been dark, they brought light, and that light will never be extinguished from the hearts and minds of the people who knew, loved and cared so deeply about them," they said. "We are ever hopeful that justice will be served. In honor of Ralph and Kathy, we ask that everyone please take a moment to stop, pray and reflect on how lucky we were to have known them -- hug your loved ones, spend time with your families, and console one another as we all collectively mourn."

Americans missing from boat in the Caribbean: A timeline originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Recommended Stories

Nfl draft: top 50 big board is heavy on offense, starting with drake maye and caleb williams at the top.

Yahoo Sports NFL Draft expert Nate Tice delivers his first top 50 of this draft cycle, with breakdowns of each prospect's strengths, weaknesses, projections and more.

Rivian owners can now access Tesla's Supercharger network

"Compatible Superchargers will show up in Rivian navigation when you are planning trips, with charger speeds and availability information listed," the company said.

ASUS Zenbook Duo review: The first dual-screen laptop worth buying

Starting at $1,500 and with dimensions that aren’t much bigger than a traditional clamshell, ASUS’ Zenbook Duo is the first dual-screen laptop you’d actually want to buy.

How Honda hedged its bet on the hydrogen fuel cell-powered CR-V e:FCEV

Just like battery-electric cars 20 years ago, hydrogen fuel cell cars suffer from the old chicken and the egg problem. Nobody wants to buy a fuel cell vehicle until the supporting infrastructure is in place, but it's tough to invest in infrastructure when nobody owns a fuel cell vehicle. Honda says it's playing the long game with a lofty goal in mind.

Do you need a neti pot — and is it safe to use? Here's what experts say.

The CDC has linked a dangerous infection to neti pots. Here's how to use one safely to clear up your sinuses.

Ethos Fund closes first fund to invest in founders bridging U.S. and Vietnamese tech ecosystems

Yi and Shin started Ethos Fund two years ago to bridge opportunities and startup communities between Vietnam and the United States. Yi and Shin are working with companies in two ways: in the U.S. to invest in what they call “third culture founders,” which they define as “brilliant minds who don't just belong to one culture but have been shaped by multiple ones,” solving problems they care about.

Kalen DeBoer to make $10 million in first season succeeding Nick Saban at Alabama

DeBoer signed an eight-year deal to replace Saban after Saban retired.

Yahoo Sports AM: Now starting at shortstop, Mookie Betts

In today's edition: Mookie moves to shortstop, Anthony Edwards throws down the dunk of the year, Ovechkin hits the 20-goal mark (again!), soccer's version of madness, and more.

The Morning After: NVIDIA says its Blackwell GPUs are the world’s most powerful chips

The biggest news stories this morning: YouTube lays out new rules for realistic AI-generated videos, Hackers gave pro players cheats during Apex Legends competition, Apple wants to bring Google’s Gemini AI to iPhones.

Realtor lawsuit settlement unburdens home sellers from heavy commissions. What now for buyers?

The settlement with the Realtors' association ended guaranteed commissions but could impose new costs on buyers already struggling to break into the market.

Uber leads $100M investment in African mobility fintech Moove as valuation hits $750M

Moove, an African mobility fintech that offers vehicle financing to ride-hailing and delivery app drivers, has raised $100 million in a funding round as it plots expansion into new markets. Moove did not say who is leading the round, but sources close to the deal confirmed to TechCrunch that Uber led the Series B round, making it the company's first investment in the African continent. The round also includes sovereign wealth fund Mubadala and several other investors, pushing Moove’s post-money valuation to $750 million.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards throws down ridiculous dunk of the year over John Collins in win vs. Jazz

John Collins got put on a wild poster on Monday night, and had to leave the game due to a head injury.

Oprah Winfrey opens up about her weight loss journey in new special

The TV personality discusses modern weight loss medications in the ABC special "Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution."

Report: Knicks' OG Anunoby sidelined indefinitely with right elbow injury after surgery

OG Anunoby is out due to a post-surgical flare-up in his right elbow, and it’s unclear when he’ll be able to return.

Nvidia's keynote at GTC held some surprises

SAN JOSE — "I hope you realize this is not a concert," said Nvidia President Jensen Huang to an audience so large, it filled up the SAP Center in San Jose. This is how he introduced what is perhaps the complete opposite of a concert: the company's GTC event. There will be a lot of science describing algorithms, computer architecture, mathematics.

LACERA decreases venture capital allocation range, but experts say it doesn't signal a trend

The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) voted to decrease its allocation range to venture capital at a March 13 meeting. The board of investments voted to decrease its allocation range to venture capital and growth equity from between 15% and 30% of the pension system's private equity portfolio, to between 5% and 25%. LACERA's venture portfolio is currently 10.8% of the PE portfolio.

March Madness 2024: How to watch the First Four games in the men’s NCAA tournament

Are you ready for March Madness? The First Four tips off Tuesday, Mar. 19.

NCAA tournament: 7 players to watch in the star-studded women's bracket

In addition to the exciting freshman class who led their respective teams to top seeds this season, there are some upperclassmen with incredible game.

This mega-popular foot peel is the best kind of gross, and at $9 it's 50% off

More than 50,000 fans love that it sloughs away dead skin in sheets, leaving your pups 'literally transformed.'

March Madness: What to know about the NCAA women's tournament Albany 1 region

The road to a championship once again goes through undefeated South Carolina, which secured its second consecutive No. 1 overall seed.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Search Halted for 3 Americans Missing Off the Mexican Coast

Kerry O’Brien, Frank O’Brien and William Gross, who were sailing aboard the Ocean Bound, were last heard from near Mazatlán, Mexico, on April 4.

By Johnny Diaz

The search for three Americans who were reported missing two weeks ago, after sailing off the coast of Mexico to California, has been called off, the authorities in both countries said.

The U.S. Coast Guard in Alameda, Calif., said on Wednesday that the Mexican Navy, known as SEMAR, had informed the agency that it had suspended its search for the three people after an effort of a cumulative 281 hours covering just over 200,000 square nautical miles.

The missing people, a woman and two men identified as Kerry O’Brien, Frank O’Brien and William Gross, were sailing aboard the Ocean Bound, a 44-foot La Fitte sailboat. They were last heard from on April 4, when they were near Mazatlán, Mexico, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

The three travelers had left Mazatlán on their way to San Diego, and they were scheduled to stop in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on April 6 to resupply the boat with provisions, according to the Coast Guard.

“However, they did not report in or arrive in Cabo San Lucas,” the Coast Guard said.

On Saturday, the Coast Guard shared information and photos of the missing sailors and the vessel.

The Coast Guard said that the search encompassed “an area larger than the state of California” off Mexico’s northern Pacific Coast, but that there were no signs of the missing boat or its passengers. The Coast Guard and the Mexican Navy worked together in coordinating and conducting the search.

As part of the effort, marine broadcasts were dispatched over VHF radio, but they did not yield any clues about the location of the missing travelers.

“An exhaustive search was conducted by our international search-and-rescue partner, Mexico, with the U.S. Coast Guard and Canada providing additional search assets,” Cmdr. Gregory Higgins, command center chief of Coast Guard District 11, said in a statement. “Unfortunately, we found no evidence of the three Americans’ whereabouts or what might have happened.”

He added that “our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends” of the three sailors.

After the suspension of the search, Heather Alcazar, one of Mr. Gross’s daughters, said on Thursday that “although this was devastating news for our families, we support the decision of SEMAR and the U.S.C.G.”

Ms. Alcazar said her father, 71, is a San Diego resident.

“Knowing that our family members have been part of a multinational search is not something we take for granted,” Ms. Alcazar said. “It shows the kind of commitment and cooperation we will all praise in the years to come.”

“Ocean Bound and her crew are missing,” she added, “but they will not be forgotten.”

Ms. O’Brien’s mother, Ellen Argall, said on Friday that her daughter, who is 52, and Frank O’Brien have been married for 18 years, and that both are licensed boat captains who have sailed for nearly 20 years. The couple , who live in Girdwood, Alaska, had invited their friend Mr. Gross to join them on the trip, Ms. Argall said.

“I was devastated but I understand,” she said of the suspension of the search. “I still have a glimmer of hope. I am not going to lose my little glimmer of hope.”

Johnny Diaz is a general assignment reporter covering breaking news. He previously worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel and The Boston Globe. More about Johnny Diaz

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

A massive search for 3 missing American sailors off Mexico coast has been called off

Jonathan Franklin

The Mexican Navy searched for three Americans who went missing along with their sailboat off Mexico's northern Pacific coast. Kerry O'Brien, Frank O'Brien and William Gross were aboard the boat and have not been heard from since April 4, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. AP hide caption

The Mexican Navy searched for three Americans who went missing along with their sailboat off Mexico's northern Pacific coast. Kerry O'Brien, Frank O'Brien and William Gross were aboard the boat and have not been heard from since April 4, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The search for three Americans missing along with their sailboat off Mexico's northern Pacific coast since April 4 has been suspended, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

In a news release Wednesday, the agency said the search was suspended pending "further developments" after SEMAR — the Mexican navy — and the Coast Guard spent roughly 280 hours searching Mexico's northern Pacific coast.

After searching nearly 200,000 square miles with no sign of the missing passengers and the missing sailing vessel, officials suspended the search.

"SEMAR and U.S. Coast Guard assets worked hand-in-hand for all aspects of the case. Unfortunately, we found no evidence of the three Americans' whereabouts or what might have happened," Coast Guard Cmdr. Gregory Higgins said.

U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican navy are searching for 3 missing American sailors

The three sailors — identified as Kerry O'Brien, Frank O'Brien and William Gross — reportedly left Mazatlán, a city on Mexico's west coast, aboard a 44-foot boat named Ocean Bound on April 4 and were headed to San Diego.

They planned to stop in Cabo San Lucas — roughly 224 miles from Mazatlán — on April 6 to report in before they continued their trip, the Coast Guard said. However, there was no record of the three mariners arriving in Cabo San Lucas nor a check-in of their location.

In an interview with San Diego TV station NBC 7 , the family of William Gross told the station they have not lost hope and that he and his sailing companions will be found.

"Our hope is for our Dad, and Kerry and Frank to be sailing into port soon, tired and sore, but safe," the Gross family said in a statement to the station. "And our hearts certainly go out to the other two families who are being equally impacted during this extremely difficult time."

3 American sailors missing off the coast of Mexico

They haven't been heard from since April 4.

The Mexican Navy and United States Coast Guard are searching for three missing American sailors who have not been seen since April 4.

According to the Coast Guard , Kerry O’Brien, Frank O’Brien and William Gross were sailing onboard the “Ocean Bound,” a 44-foot LaFitte sailboat. They were last heard from on April 4 when they departed Mazatlán, Mexico -- a resort town in Sinaloa.

The trio of Americans were sailing to San Diego with a planned stop in Cabo San Lucas, where they would pick up additional supplies on April 6 but the Coast Guard said there is no record of the group arriving in Cabo San Lucas or providing any report of their location. Additionally, marinas in Baja, Mexico, have yet to see the vessel or sailors.

The trip from Mazatlán to Cabo San Lucas requires an over 200-mile sail across the southern Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez.

The Mexican Navy is now searching for the missing sailors with assistance from the Coast Guard, asking any mariner to look for the missing vessel.

“Search and rescue coordinators have contacted marinas throughout Baja, Mexico, with negative sightings of the vessel,” the Coast Guard said. “Urgent marine information broadcasts have been issued over VHF radio requesting all mariners to keep a lookout for the missing persons and vessel.”

The three sailors were traveling on a 44-foot sailboat designed by Robert H. Perry Yacht Designers , equipped with a single mast for sailing and an auxiliary motor. According to Cruising World , the LaFitte 44 is a formidable ocean sailboat, with multiple owners circumnavigating the world with the boat.

ABC News' Izzy Alvarez contributed to this report.

Top Stories

State Medicaid offices target dead people’s homes to recoup their health care costs

• Mar 16, 4:18 PM

Judge rules evidence related to 'Access Hollywood' tape admissible in Trump trial

• Mar 18, 6:35 PM

Princess Kate seen at farm shop a week after photo editing controversy

• Mar 18, 9:54 PM

Trump claims Liz Cheney and Jan. 6 committee should be jailed

• Mar 18, 8:58 PM

Would you make this easy chocolate chip cookie croissant?

• Mar 11, 5:01 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Search continues for missing Americans after alleged yacht hijacking in Grenada, but a violent scene suggests the worst, family says

(CNN) — Police in the Caribbean are investigating the disappearance of an American couple after escaped inmates in Grenada allegedly hijacked their yacht. Now, their family is bracing for the possibility “they aren’t with us” after the violent scene suggests they may have been killed, but still hope they’ll be found alive.

The Virginia couple, identified by their sailing club as Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry, were living out a long-held dream of cruising the Caribbean in their sailing yacht, Simplicity. But the vessel was found abandoned Wednesday off the coast of St. Vincent with the husband and wife nowhere to be found, according to the club, the Salty Dawg Sailing Association.

Police in Grenada have yet to identify the couple but said a trio of prisoners have been recaptured after their February 18 escape. Evidence suggests they may have killed the American occupants of a yacht they allegedly hijacked in St. George to flee to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, another island country that is around 80 miles away, the Royal Grenada Police Force said in a statement .

Brandel’s son, Nick Buro, said he still hopes the couple will be found on a Caribbean island.

“The boat itself was ransacked and everything was strewn about in the entire cabin, so clearly there was an altercation of some type that took place on the boat,” Buro told CNN Sunday. “We are concerned for their safety overall because it does appear that they were likely injured.”

Wednesday, the day the abandoned boat was discovered, was Kathy’s 71st birthday, Buro said. March 2, will be Ralph’s 67th birthday, his son Bryan Hendry told CNN.

Buro said his mother and stepfather were veteran boaters who had been planning the trip – their first cruise of the Caribbean – for years.

“They were super careful to be safe all the time,” Buro said. “Everywhere they went everything they did, safety was their top, top concern. So this unfortunate accident, I think, it came out of nowhere for them.”

The couple sold their home and bought Simplicity years ago, throwing themselves into an enthralling life on the water, he said.

“It was their home. Everything they had, they owned, was on that boat. It was their life,” he said. “Kathy worked her whole life and then retired. Ralph worked in financial services and continued to work from the boat. But really what they did was … choose a lifestyle that most of us would never imagine could be done. And they loved every minute of it and they saw many parts of the world and just lived a life of joy and love.”

The suspects in the hijacking – Ron Mitchell, 30; Trevon Robertson, 19; and Abita Stanislaus, 25 – were cooperating with investigators, Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Superintendent Junior O. Simmons said. Prior to the escape, all three had been charged on suspicion of robbery with violence and Mitchell faced other charges, including rape and indecent assault, the Royal Grenada Police Force said.

The US State Department said Friday it is “aware of these reports involving US citizens. We are monitoring the situation and seeking additional information.”

Boat found abandoned by ‘good Samaritan’

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association said it was contacted Wednesday by a boater who spotted the Simplicity anchored and abandoned off the south coast of St. Vincent.

“The good Samaritan had boarded the boat and noted that the owners, Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, were not onboard and found evidence of apparent violence,” the group said . The person also contacted the coast guard, who notified St. Vincent police, the association said.

Grenada police said the escapees were recaptured the same day by the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

Ben Osborn, the sailing club’s president, offered his support to the families and said the violence was unheard of.

“This is a very upsetting event and details are still unconfirmed by the authorities, but this does appear to be a tragic event – our hopes and prayers are with Ralph and Kathy and the family who love them,” Osborn said in a statement . “In all my years of cruising the Caribbean, I have never heard of anything like this.”

Seasoned boaters receive outpouring of support

News of Brandel and Hendry’s disappearance has opened a floodgate of support from loved ones, church friends and boating community members who stepped forward willing to help, their families said.

“We want to reach out to the entire cruiser community to express our gratitude for everyone that worked to gather information from eyewitnesses and provide search and rescue support. It means so much to us that so many people cared for Ralph and Kathy as friends and fellow cruisers that they are willing to stop and help in whatever way possible,” Buro and Bryan Hendry said in a  statement shared by the sailing club.

They also asked that any boaters not affiliated with the official investigation stand down on their search efforts.

“The only way we feel this situation could be worse would be if anyone was hurt or endangered trying to conduct searches,” the statement read.

The couple also had close ties to their local Christian community, and a prayer service was held Saturday for them, Buro said.

A  GoFundMe campaign has been established on behalf of Nick Buro to help fund the recovery of the yacht and the couple’s belongings, funeral costs and support.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

• DeSantis signs bills that he says will keep immigrants living in the US illegally from Florida
• Sunny Isles Beach traffic stop leads to woman’s arrest for counterfeit diplomatic tag
• 39-year-old Hollywood middle school teacher charged with molestation of a minor
• Police: 4 dead in apparent murder-suicide in NW Miami-Dade
• FBI arrest former Chaminade-Madonna College Prep teacher, 35, accused of having affair with 15-year-old student

Americans hijacked by escaped prisoners likely thrown off yacht. Here's what we know

Owners of the catamaran remain missing and are presumed dead after abandoned boat found covered in blood.

An American couple who spent winters at a Florida marina have disappeared and are presumed dead after their catamaran was found abandoned and covered in blood in St. Vincent.

Ralph Hendry and his wife, Kathy Brandel, were last known to be near Grand Anse Beach, Grenada.

Both Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are listed under a Level 1 travel advisory, according to the U.S. State Department.

A Level 1 travel advisory urges U.S. citizens to take normal precautions in the area.

Other Caribbean islands are more dangerous , with Level 2 and 3 advisories in effect for the Bahamas and Jamaica , respectively.

Here's what we know so far as the investigation continues.

3 prisoners escaped from South St. George Police Station

Don McKenzie, Commissioner of Police for the Royal Grenada Police Force, said during a news conference Feb. 26, three prisoners escaped from the South St. George Police Station on Feb. 18.

The next day, they "commandeered" the yacht Simplicity, which had two occupants on board, Hendry, 66, and his wife, Kathy Brandel, 71. Both are U.S. citizens.

Information suggests the escaped prisoners "disposed" of Hendry and Brandel. The couple were were likely thrown into the ocean and died, police in Grenada said Monday.

“We have nothing conclusive to say that the individuals are dead," McKenzie said. "We still hold out hope that in spite (of) what might be a low probability, that they would turn up alive somewhere.”

The yacht then headed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where the escaped prisoners were captured on Feb. 21.

Who were the escaped prisoners and what had they been charged with?

According to the Royal Grenada Police Force, the escaped prisoners were:

• Ron Mitchell, 30,
• Trevon Robertson, 19
• Abita Stanislaus, 25.

All three had been charged with one count of robbery with violence.

Mitchell also had been charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape, two counts of indecent assault and causing harm.

Yacht discovered by paddle-boarder near St. Vincent

A sailing captain was paddle-boarding near Saint Vincent when he noticed the yacht with a broken sail, according to People .

When he boarded the Simplicity, he found the deck covered in blood . He also found two passports belonging to Brandel and Hendry, People said.

In an email to an address he found onboard, he told the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, “The ship inside is very messy. “Can you contact them?”

"The good Samaritan contacted the St. Vincent coast guard alerting them of the situation; they in turn notified the local police. The Coast Guard took possession of Simplicity," the Salty Dawg Sailing Association posted on its Facebook page.

Salty Dawg mourns couple's disappearance

On its Facebook page Feb. 24, the Salty Dawg Sailing Association announced, "The Salty Dawg family mourns the disappearance of two of our long term members, Ralph and Kathy of Simplicity. Their family has issued a statement and wish to get the word out as broadly as possible."

Both Brandel and Hendry are veteran cruisers and long-time members of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association from its earliest days.

"Warm hearted and capable, they both contributed to building the SDSA and Kathy sat on the association’s board for two years," the organization said.

Salty Dawg live tracking map showed final anchorage for Simplicity

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association "has a live member’s tracking map where boats can be followed as they cruise and Simplicity’s track shows that Kathy and Ralph were anchored in Grenada and then the boat moved directly to its last anchorage off St. Vincent," the organization said.

'They were the sweetest people': Friend describes meeting couple at Fort Pierce marina

The couple previously had docked their catamaran at the Safe Harbor Harbortown Marina in Fort Pierce.

"They were the sweetest people," Keith Mallamo said in an email to TCPalm. Mallamo said he was friends with the couple when they docked their vessels at the marina in Fort Pierce.

One Christmas, Brandel baked cookies for everyone on the dock, and Hendry was always available to help his fellow sailors, Mallamo said.

Family issues statement

The following statement from Bryan Hendry and Nick Buro was posted on Salty Dawg's Facebook page:

"We want to reach out to the entire cruiser community to express our gratitude for everyone that worked to gather information from eyewitnesses and provide search and rescue support.

"It means so much to us that so many people cared for Ralph and Kathy as friends and fellow cruisers that they are willing to stop and help in whatever way possible.

"Thanks to all this input from this community we are able to develop a timeline of events. For the safety of the cruising community we are asking all cruisers, and anyone that is not affiliated with the officials with presiding jurisdiction, to stand down. The only way we feel this situation could be worse would be if anyone was hurt or endangered trying to conduct searches.

"We also want to applaud the St. Vincent authorities for their quick actions in securing Simplicity and their brave, swift response that led to the apprehension of three dangerous fugitives. We greatly appreciate the coordination of the St. Vincent and Royal Grenadian Police forces and Coast Guards in investigating these events."

GoFundMe page set up for Kathy Brandel, Ralph Hendry after 'heartbreaking tragedy'

A GoFundMe page was set up for Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry.

"The funds raised will go towards recovering the vessel and belongings, covering funeral costs, and providing support to the grieving families as they try to comprehend the depth of this tragedy," according to the page set up by Jessica Mause on behalf of Nick Buro, Kathy Brandel's son, and Ralph's son, Bryan Hendry.

"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the senseless act of violence that tragically claimed the lives of husband and wife, Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel.

"Kathy and Ralph were seasoned sailors who lived on their beloved catamaran, Simplicity. Their lives ended in unimaginable tragedy on Sunday, February 19th, off the shores of Grand Anse Beach, Grenada.

"Kathy and Ralph, experienced adventurers, spent their retirement sailing aboard Simplicity, spending summers in New England and embracing the warmth of Caribbean winters. Their final voyage with the Salty Dawg Sailing Association crew took an unthinkable turn as Simplicity was found abandoned in St. Vincent, bearing chilling evidence of a violent struggle.

"This heartbreaking tragedy has left not only the sailing community, but also their families, shattered." The GoFundMe page added Kathy Brandel had recently welcomed her first grandchild.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• March Madness
• AP Top 25 Poll
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Here’s what to know about a US couple missing in the Caribbean

Police in Grenada said the U.S. elderly couple Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, whose catamaran was hijacked a week earlier, were likely dead. (AP Video: Kenton X. Chance)

The yacht “Simplicity”, that officials say was hijacked by three escaped prisoners with two people aboard, is docked at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Service Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Authorities in the eastern Caribbean said they were trying to locate two people believed to be U.S. citizens who were aboard the yacht that was hijacked by the three escaped prisoners from Grenada. (AP Photo/Kenton X. Chance)

• Copy Link copied

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Authorities in the eastern Caribbean are scouring waters in the region in hopes of finding a missing U.S. couple who were aboard their catamaran Simplicity more than a week ago when police say it was hijacked by three escaped prisoners from Grenada.

Police have said that Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel are presumed dead . The search for them began on Feb. 21 after someone discovered their catamaran abandoned on the shores of St. Vincent and alerted authorities.

Police say the three prisoners escaped from a police station on Feb. 18 and hijacked the catamaran a day later. Authorities said the prisoners then illegally entered the southwest coast of St. Vincent on Feb. 19 and docked the boat. Two days later, the three men were arrested along the island’s northwest coast.

Here’s what to know about the case:

WHY WAS THE COUPLE TARGETED?

It’s unclear why the escaped prisoners hijacked the couple’s catamaran, but it was moored at Grand Anse beach, near to the police station where the three men escaped.

Police believe the men hijacked the catamaran with the couple aboard and then allegedly threw them into the water while traveling to St. Vincent, which is located north of Grenada.

They have noted that there were signs of violence aboard the catamaran.

WHO ARE THE ESCAPED PRISONERS?

Police in Grenada have identified the escaped prisoners as Trevon Robertson, a 19-year-old unemployed man; Abita Stanislaus, a 25-year-old farmer; and Ron Mitchell, a 30-year-old sailor.

All were charged a couple of months ago with one count of robbery with violence. Mitchell also was charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm.

Vannie Curwen, Grenada’s assistant police commissioner, has said the men had been placed in a holding cell rather than in jail, because a judge hadn’t yet ruled whether they would be released on bail.

WHO IS THE COUPLE?

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association has described Brandel and Hendry as veteran cruisers and longtime members who were “warm-hearted and capable.” It noted that Brandel served on the association’s board for two years.

The association said the couple had sailed their boat in the 2023 Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua and planned to spend the winter cruising the eastern Caribbean. A GoFundMe donation page stated that Brandel had become a first-time grandmother.

Nick Buro, Brandel’s son, and Bryan Hendry, Hendry’s son, said in a statement Tuesday that they were “incredibly saddened” to hear that the couple was presumed dead, but added that they remain optimistic about the ongoing search.

“While the end of their life may have been dark, they brought light, and that light will never be extinguished from the hearts and minds of the people who knew, loved and cared so deeply about them,” they said.

WHY HAVEN’T THE PRISONERS BEEN CHARGED IN THE CASE?

Police in Grenada and St. Vincent have provided limited information about the case of the missing couple, noting that the investigation is ongoing, though they have said the couple is presumed dead.

Authorities haven’t yet shared any specific evidence linking the three men to the couple’s disappearance. St. Vincent police say the men have been cooperating in the investigation.

The men pleaded guilty this week to immigration-related charges, and are scheduled to be sentenced on those counts in early March.

WHO HAS JURISDICTION OF THE CASE?

Authorities haven’t said whether prosecutors in St. Vincent or Grenada would pursue the case involving the couple.

Grenada Police Commissioner Don McKenzie said the attorney generals and prosecutors on both islands “are in discussions.”

Meanwhile, Grenada police sent a team of five officials to help with the investigation in nearby St. Vincent.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Police in Grenada have launched an investigation into how the men were able to escape from their holding cell.

McKenzie has said the police station should have been secure enough to prevent such an escape, and that authorities are looking into whether it was a “system failure” or a “slip up.”

McKenzie has said no officers have resigned or been disciplined, although one supervisor at the station has been transferred to another location “to ensure a thorough investigation in this matter.”

• New Terms of Use
• New Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Closed Caption Policy
• Accessibility Statement

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions . Legal Statement . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper .

Friends who sailed with missing Americans 'pray for miracle' after yacht hijacking: report

Ralph hendry and kathy brandel of virginia are feared dead after yacht found ransacked in caribbean.

Authorities believe three escaped prisoners allegedly hijacked missing couple's yacht

Fox News correspondent Christina Coleman reports on a missing U.S. couple in the Caribbean on 'Fox Report.'

Friends who recently sailed with a missing Virginia couple , whose boat was overrun by seafaring bandits in the Caribbean, are "praying for a miracle," despite the gloomy outlook.

Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry are still missing after their yacht – named "Simplicity" – was found in tatters and abandoned over the weekend.

Three escaped prisoners – Ron Mitchell, a 30-year-old sailor; Trevon Robertson, a 19-year-old unemployed man, and Abita Stanislaus, a 20-year-old farmer – were arrested and charged with robbery, and the oldest suspect is being held on three counts of attempted rape, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF). Investigators said the yacht was found ransacked.

"We would love to believe that they are still alive and out there and can be found and brought back to us safely," one of the couple's sons, Nick Buro, told Fox News. "It's obvious from what evidence has been found of the boat that that is a concern that that may not happen, but we, of course, are holding hope that they are still alive and can be found."

FAMILY OF COUPLE MISSING IN THE CARIBBEAN ASKS PUBLIC TO LEAVE SEARCH TO EXPERTS: ‘STAND DOWN’

Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel are feared dead after their yacht was found abandoned and ransacked in the Caribbean. (GoFundMe)

A Rhode Island couple, who have been friends with Brandel and Hendry for years, told WTKR that they are, "Praying for a miracle."

Pete and Tammy Sisson said they sailed with Brandel and Hendry during the first leg of the trip from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua, but left after a few days in Antigua. 

NURSE HELPING AMERICANS IN ALLEGED BAHAMAS ATTACK WAS ‘SCARED’ BY WHAT SHE SAW: ‘COULD’VE BEEN MY DAUGHTERS

The Sissons expressed survivors' guilt in their interview with the local news outlet. They said their destination was "gorgeous," and they described the "beautiful lush green island with waterfalls, and a rainforest-type atmosphere."

It created a sense of safety. The Sissons left a few days before Hendry and Brandel, but now Pete Sisson says he and his wife cannot help but wonder if the situation would have been different had he and his wife stayed with the couple. 

"I also thought perhaps if there were four people instead of two, maybe these perpetrators would have done something different," he told WTKR.

The suspects who were arrested in relation to the disappearance of the couple.  (RSVG Police Force via Facebook )

The trip was part of a rally organized by the Salty Dawg Association, which released a statement from Bryan Hendry and Buro on behalf of their parents on Friday, which thanked and cautioned well-intended volunteers.  

"We want to reach out to the entire cruiser community to express our gratitude for everyone that worked to gather information from eyewitnesses and provide search and rescue support," Bryan Hendry and Buro said. 

"It means so much to us that so many people cared for Ralph and Kathy as friends and fellow cruisers that they are willing to stop and help in whatever way possible." 

VIRGINIA COUPLE FEARED DEAD AS ESCAPED PRISONERS HIJACK YACHT IN CARIBBEAN

However, for the "safety of the cruising community, we are asking all cruisers, and anyone that is not affiliated with the officials with presiding jurisdiction, to stand down," they said in the statement. 

"The only way we feel this situation could be worse would be if anyone was hurt or endangered trying to conduct searches."

Authorities continued to search for the couple Monday, as conflicting reports about their presumed demise pop up on social media and news outlets, and authorities sort the details about what happened on the Caribbean seas . 

A map pinpointing Grenada in the Caribbean where the couple are feared dead. (Google Maps)

The RGPF said in a statement Friday that they were working on leads "that suggest" the two occupants of the yacht might have been killed, but they have not released anything official since. 

Fox News' Christina Coleman spoke to Buro and Bryan Hendry, who said their parents were living their post-retirement dream on a boat. 

"They've been doing for 12 years," Buro said. "And they sold all their possessions to live out their retirement years on this boat. It was their home. It was their livelihood. It was their possessions. It was everything that they had in the world, and it was taken from them."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Bob Osborn, president of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, said, "This is a very upsetting event and details are still unconfirmed by the authorities, but this does appear to be a tragic event – our hopes and prayers are with Ralph and Kathy and the family who love them.

"I have spoken to the families and have offered our deepest condolences and our assistance in any way possible. In all my years of cruising the Caribbean, I have never heard of anything like this."

Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this story. 

Chris Eberhart is a crime and US news reporter for Fox News Digital. Email tips to [email protected] or on Twitter @ChrisEberhart48.

Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

Missing American Sailing Couple Is 'Presumed' Dead After Boat Found Ransacked in Caribbean: Police

Three men who allegedly escaped jail in Grenada and hijacked the couple’s yacht to sail to St. Vincent have each pleaded guilty to four immigration-related charges

Jessica Mause/GoFundMe

An American couple who'd been sailing in the Caribbean and have been missing for more than a week are presumed dead, though their bodies have not been recovered, authorities said in a Monday press conference .

“Based on the investigation thus far it is presumed Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brendel are deceased," Junior Simmons of the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force said at the press conference.

Simmons also announced that three inmates who broke out of jail around the same time the couple vanished and allegedly made their getaway in their yacht have been re-arrested and are cooperating in the case, according to authorities.

Authorities have recovered evidence "consistent with signs of violence" from the hijacked boat, said Simmons.

Kathy Brandel – a retired real estate agent who would have turned 71 Wednesday – and her husband, Ralph Hendry – a 66-year-old financial advisor who worked from their yacht – had been cruising in Grenada when they suddenly stopped communicating with family on Feb. 18, according to their sons, who have been in touch with PEOPLE since before landing in the Caribbean to search for their parents .

AP Photo/Kenton X. Chance

On Wednesday morning the couple’s SV Simplicity was reported abandoned in St. Vincent — 80 miles from where the couple had last been spotted — and with blood visible on the deck.

“The entire interior of the vessel and its decks were ransacked,” Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service Commanding Officer Deon Henry told the Saint Vincent police commissioner in a Feb. 21 internal memorandum obtained by PEOPLE.

Courtesy of Robert Osborn

Bob Osborn, the president of Salty Dawg Sailing Association, which included Brandel and Hendry among their members, said the couple’s disappearance was an anomaly.

“In all my years of cruising the Caribbean, I have never heard of anything like this,” Osborn previously told PEOPLE. “This is not common, but it’s also a very, very big deal.”

Colin Perkel/The Canadian Press via AP

An insider close to the investigation says Grenada – where the couple was last seen cruising – is typically safe but expressed concern that the public was not promptly notified about the Feb. 18 jailbreak. Both Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a Level 1 travel advisory, the safest level.

Courtesy Nick Buro and Bryan Hendry

The three prison escapees allegedly fled their holding cell at the South St. George Police Station, hijacked the couple's nearby yacht, “disposed of the occupants” and sailed to Saint Vincent where they disembarked, Grenada's Police Commissioner Don McKenzie claimed at a press conference Monday morning.

Those men – Trevon Robertson, 19, Abita Stanislaus, 25, and Ron Mitchell, 30 – who were re-arrested in Saint Vincent Wednesday have not been formally charged in the couple’s disappearance.

Royal Grenada Police Force

However, Simmons said Monday afternoon that the three men had already pleaded guilty to four counts of immigration-related charges connected to illegally entering Saint Vincent by boat. They are scheduled for sentencing on March 4.

The escapees had previously been arrested in connection with a violent robbery in December, Grenada's police force said in a press release last week. 

Mitchell – who worked as a sailor – was also previously charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape, two counts of indecent assault, and causing harm.

A source close to the investigation previously told PEOPLE Friday that two of the men had already confessed to killing the couple.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE' s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

A fourth prisoner escaped from the Grenville Magistrate Court last Wednesday, according to police.

Levon Date – charged in the killing of a Canadian citizen in 2023 – escaped the courthouse after pushing past police officers during a requested bathroom break, Grenada's police force alleged at the press conference.

As of Monday morning, Date remains on the run. Police say the escapee should be considered armed and dangerous.

Sarm Heslop missing in US Virgin Islands

#justiceforsarm.

Southampton resident 41 year old Sarm Joan Lillian Heslop went missing from a catamaran from St. John in the US Virgin Islands in the early hours of Monday March 8, 2021 .

Sarm is a Caucasian female, approximately 5ft 8ins, of athletic build, with long dark brown hair. She has a large, colourful tattoo on her shoulder depicting a seahorse, butterfly and flower.

Sarm’s Mum, Brenda, has recently shared her heartbreaking story with the The Mirror including her belief that Sarm was murdered. We hope you will help us to get #justiceforsarm by pressuring the VIPD to investigate our friend’s disappearance, return contact with her family and their representatives, and release the CCTV footage of Sarm’s last known movements by sharing this article .

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/i-believe-daughter-sarm-heslop-32258349

In May 2022, Sarm’s parents, Brenda & Peter, travelled to St. John, accompanied by staff from the British Consulate General in Miami.

In July, they have made an emotional appeal for more information about their daughter’s disappearance.

Latest Press Release

Sarm’s Parents’ Letter to the Foreign Secretary

Help us raise funds for a reward and family travel expenses

Print a Poster

Siren Song Catamaran

Sarm was living and working on Siren Song, a charter catamaran owned and operated by her boyfriend, Ryan Bane. The boat was moored just off shore at Frank Bay, St John , USVI and the couple had been ashore for dinner on Sunday 7 March 2021. Sarm was reported missing by Ryan the following day. It was reported that all her belongings, including her phone, were left aboard the catamaran.

The coastguard and Virgin Islands Police Department carried out an extensive search of the ocean and shorelines, however, they found no evidence Sarm had gone into the water. The local St John residents continue to search the island and waters.

Her family & friends are desperately worried about her as it is uncharacteristic of her to disappear without contact.

The Virgin Islands Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating her and asking for any information about her disappearance.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Sarm is urged to call:

• Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS .

“You are urged to say something, if you saw something,” said the police force.

Latest posts

Update: almost 3 years since sarm went missing.

As we approach 3 years since Sarm went missing, Brenda (Sarm’s mother) speaks to The Mirror about her heartbreak. We call on the Virgin Islands Police Department to reclassify Sarm’s…

Update: Latest Press Release

US Virgin Islands PD fall silent as family and friends of missing Sarm Heslop say “we know she isn’t going to be found alive” and Ryan Bane reappears in Michigan.

Update: Brenda interviewed by BBC Breakfast

We want the UK authorities to step in and take over the investigation. We want the CCTV footage of Sarm’s last known movements released to the public. We want the…

Update: Two years since Sarm’s disappearance

Two agonising years since our strong, funny, beautiful girl went missing. We are still searching for you, Sarm. We still look for you. We are still trying to find answers…

Update: Sarm’s Mum speaks to the Daily Mail

Sarm’s Mum, Brenda, has bravely shared Sarm’s story with the Daily Mail. Please share this as much as you can so that we continue to put pressure on the Virgin…

Update: 18 months from Sarm’s disappearance

It has been over 18 months since our friend, Sarm Heslop, went missing from her boyfriend’s catamaran in the US Virgin Islands. Today we have released the following statement urging…

Update: Sarm’s parents travel to St John

Thank you to BBC Breakfast for being so considerate in their reporting of Brenda and Peter’s trip to the US Virgin Islands. Sarm’s parents were escorted by embassy staff from…

Dateline NBC episode about Sarm’s appearance

Tonight Dateline NBC will air a special programme about Sarm’s disappearance. This trailer is incredibly hard for her family and friends to watch but we hope that it brings Sarm’s…

One year from Sarm’s disappearance

A year ago we heard the words… Sarm is missing… those words haunt each of us every day. A year has gone by and we are no closer to finding…

Happy birthday Sarm, wherever you are

Collectively we share so many happy birthday memories of Sarm. This year we will come together to celebrate our friend but we won’t see your smile; we won’t hear your…

7 months  

6 months 💔 #FindSarm

GoFundMe reaches £10,000

A huge thank you to everyone that has fundraised and donated to Sarm’s GoFundMe page. We have now raised over £10,000! A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for…

Update – Parents Send Letter to Foreign Secretary

As we approach six months since Sarm went missing we have reached a brick wall in the progress of the investigation into her disappearance. On behalf of Sarm’s parents we…

San Diego sailor discusses possible perils of route sailed by missing Americans

As the search continues for three missing American sailors, so does the speculation about what could have happened.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, Kerry O’Brien, Frank O’Brien and William Gross were last heard from on April 4 . They departed from Mazatlán and were en route to San Diego and had planned to stop in Cabo San Lucas on April 6 for provisions. However, there was no record of them ever arriving in Cabo.

“It’s kind of shocking and alarming to hear people are missing,” said Brandon Bolic.

Bolic is a San Diego-based sailor with more than 35 years of international experience. He’s traveled the seas off the Mexican coastline where the sailors disappeared.

“A lot of things can go wrong, especially in an area that big. You don’t have good communication with shore if you’re only using a sailor phone,” said Bolic.

Bolic says he’s familiar with the 44-foot La Fitte the three were sailing.

“It’s a good quality boat designed by Robert Perry," he said. "He’s very well known, a great boat designer…those boats typically have a 60 or 70 horsepower engine.”

Bolic says even with a high-quality boat like that, the weather conditions at the time they were sailing (high winds and 15-20 foot seas) would have been a challenge.

“It is fairly dangerous, all things considered, with a crew of three people. It's very hard on the crew you’re getting bounced around in a small boat like that,” he said.

ABC 10News asked Bolic about other possible explanations for the crew's sudden disappearance. He says while piracy is relatively uncommon in that area, whale strikes can happen this time of year.

“There has been an uptick in the number of dead whales that they're finding ashore and the number of whale strikes. So that is a possibility its whale migration season,” he said. “I just hope they’re found safe and sound.”

Anyone with information about the missing boat or sailors is urged to contact the U.S. Coast Guard.

Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Now signed up to receive the breaking news newsletter..

ABC 10News STORY TIME Free Books for Kids!

Hearing begins in alleged California exorcism death

LAPD forms task force to combat 'burglary tourists' targeting neighborhoods

Ohio mother who left toddler alone for 10 days sentenced in her murder

Spring break chaos and crackdowns in Florida

PA county locked down for second day in a row due to armed suspects

Special prosecutor's resignation could further delay Trump's Georgia trial

Special prosecutor resigns in Trump Georgia election case 

James Crumbley found guilty on all counts in son’s school shooting rampage

Judge denies Trump's request to dismiss charges in federal documents case

Family of student injured in Kentucky dorm still searching for answers

Deliberations begin in James Crumbley trial 

'They're all high': Rats eat drugs in New Orleans evidence storage

Connecticut day care worker accused of slamming child into wall

CNBC investigation: How stolen goods from organized retail crime wind up being resold

Florida man suspected in 13-year-old’s disappearance faces 60 new charges

New York's 'Bling Bishop' convicted on federal charges

Bodycam video shows California deputy fatally shoot autistic teen

Missing Washington state woman found dead in Mexico

Two arrested in Philadelphia bus stop shooting

Three people fatally shot at Arkansas party

Nbc news channel, american couple missing after apparent yacht hijacking.

Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry haven't been seen since three escaped prisoners boarded their boat in Grenada. WRC's Mauricio Casillas reports. Feb. 26, 2024

Best of NBC News

NBC News NOW

Supreme court rejects peter navarro’s bid to avoid prison.

Biden and Trump loom large over primary races in 6 states

Blinken reiterates support for the Philippines amid tensions with China

Woman mourns over husband's body following Israeli airstrike in Gaza

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervises a live-fire drill

Burnt out ski boat of missing skipper found

T he  National Sea Rescue Institute  (NSRI) said on Sunday afternoon the charter ski boat MAGNUM TOO of the missing skipper was located wrecked and extensively burnt out.

HERE IS AN UPDATE ON THE MISSING SKIPPER CASE

NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said during an extensive search involving multiple agencies and a fixed-wing aircraft, the charter fishing ski boat MAGNUM TOO was located wrecked and extensively burnt out in the vicinity of Dobela on the Mozambique coastline on Sunday.

He said law enforcement agency’s response teams are on site investigating.

‘THERE REMAIN NO SIGNS OF THE SKIPPER JOHN MATAMBU’

“There remains no signs of the skipper John Matambu or an as yet unidentified man who reportedly chartered the fishing vessel. “Both men remain missing in unknown circumstances. “Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of John in this difficult time.”Lambinon said

IT REMAINS UNKNOW WHAT HAPPENED THAT LED TO THE VESSEL BEACHING

Lambinon said it remains unknown what happened that led to the vessel beaching and finding it completely burnt out.

Police and law enforcement, security agencies, and maritime authorities are continuing an extensive search and investigation to locate the two missing men and piece together what has transpired.

HERE IS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MISSING SKIPPER

NSRI Richards Bay deputy station commander Norman Rautenbach said that at around 17:00 on Saturday, NSRI Richards Bay was alerted to concerns that a charter ski boat, “ MAGNUM TOO ,” a 21-foot Yeld Cat ski boat, was missing at sea in uncertain circumstances that appeared to indicate foul play may be involved.

“The NSRI is hopeful that this is not the case.”

WHAT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY MORNING?

This comes after the ski boat MAGNUM TOO may have departed Sodwana Bay with John onboard and a male passenger or passengers (uncertain) early on Saturday morning.

Rautenbach said a search was initiated towards Sodwana Bay and North along the coastline.

The search included a private fixed-wing aircraft.

A SEARCH WAS INITIATED TOWARDS SODWANA BAY

Rautenbach said a missing persons report has been opened at MBAZWANA Police station.

“It appears that persons, or a male, who have not been identified, may have chartered the ski boat that was expected to return to Sodwana Bay on Saturday afternoon. “Real concerns are emerging that suggest possible foul play, and these concerns are for the safety of the skipper, John Matambu, and his passenger/s. “We reiterate we are hopeful that this is not the case.”Rautenbach said.

‘REAL CONCERNS ARE EMERGING THAT SUGGEST POSSIBLE FOUL PLAY’

He said concerns are rapidly increasing.

“It is not normal for this well-known and respected local skipper to fail to report to and/or return to Sodwana.

“During the night, the local community and coast watchers are commended for keeping an eye out for any red distress flares or sightings of the missing ski boat.”

THE PEOPLE WHO CHARTERED THE BOAT MAY HAVE PROVIDED FALSE INFORMATION

According to Rautenbach, the individual/s who chartered the boat may have provided false information about their identity.

He added that this needed to be confirmed and that there may have been a misunderstanding.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION THAT COULD ASSIST IN THE SEARCH?

“We are appealing to anyone with information that can assist police in this search to contact Police on 10111 and or NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) 0870949774 or MRCC 0219383300. “Thoughts with the family of the skipper in this difficult time.” “We are hopeful that the crew, and passengers are found safe.”Rautenbach said.

The post Burnt out ski boat of missing skipper found appeared first on SAPeople - Worldwide South African News .