An American couple are feared dead after three prisoners who escaped from custody in Grenada hijacked their yacht.
Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel had been sailing on their catamaran yacht ‘Simplicity’ and are believed to be dead following the incident last Sunday.
The couple, from Virginia, had been sailing around the Caribbean island and had docked near Saint George when it was taken.
The suspects, Trevon Robertson, Ron Mitchell and Atiba Stanislaus, were being held at the South Saint George Police Station on the island when they escaped.
According to the St Vincent Times, police believe the trio hijacked the yacht and killed the couple before travelling to St. Vincent.
Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel had been sailing on their catamaran yacht ‘Simplicity’ and are believed to be dead following the incident last Sunday
The couple, from Virginia, had been sailing around the Caribbean island and had docked Simplicity near Saint George when it was taken
AIS data indicates that the vessel left Grenada around 10 pm from Grand Anse Beach before it was discovered the following Wednesday.
The outlet reported that it was found with bloodstains on the interior, but no sign of the couple.
‘Copious volumes of blood were discovered in the master stateroom. Numerous personal belongings were also lost. Passports discovered onboard allowed police to contact the victims’ emergency contacts,’ a safety report filed on Caribbean Security and Safety Net said.
Local police released a statement on Thursday confirming that the three escapees had been caught.
The RSVG Police Force said: ‘Three male prisoners who escaped lawful custody from police in Grenada have been recaptured by police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
‘The escaped prisoners whose names are Ron Mitchell, 30, Trevon Robertson, 25, , and Atiba Stanislaus, 23, were recaptured on Wednesday 21st February 2024 about 4:35 p.m., during an operation by members of the Narcotics and Rapid Response Units in the North Western village of Petit Bordel.
‘The three men had been in police custody in Grenada on charges of Rape, Robbery with Violence, and other serious offences.
‘Two other Grenadian nationals were also apprehended during the operation.’
The couple had been part of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association who said that a cruising skipper found Simplicity abandoned off a beach.
The suspects, Trevon Robertson, Ron Mitchell and Atiba Stanislaus, seen here, were being held at the South Saint George Police Station on the island when they escaped
According to the association, the person boarded the boat and found evidence of apparent violence.
They added that they had been spending the winter cruising the Eastern Caribbean after sailing from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua.
Bob Osborn, SDSA President, 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.’
According to a LinkedIn profile, Hendry was the founder of a wealth management group having previously worked for Citi bank. Meanwhile, Brandel was a real estate agent.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up by a family friend in order to help recover the boat and their belongings, as well as funeral costs.
The page, which has already raised over $12,000, states: ‘Kathy and Ralph were seasoned sailors who lived on their beloved catamaran, Simplicity.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up by a family friend in order to help recover the boat and their belongings, as well as funeral costs
The couple had been part of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association who said that a cruising skipper found Simplicity abandoned off a beach
‘Their lives ended in unimaginable tragedy on Sunday, February 19th, off the shores of Grand Anse Beach, Grenada.
‘Their final voyage with the Salty Dawg Sailing 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.’
A State Department spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of these reports involving U.S. citizens. We are monitoring the situation and seeking additional information.
‘The Department of State has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad. We stand ready to provide appropriate assistance to U.S. citizens in need and to their families.
‘U.S. authorities are coordinating with local law enforcement officials on this incident. We do not comment on ongoing investigations.’