GRENADA – Police authorities in Grenada revealed on Monday that they suspect a U.S. couple on board their catamaran, hijacked by three escaped prisoners last week, may have been killed and thrown into the Caribbean Sea. The update dealt a devastating blow to those who joined the search efforts for Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, holding out hope for their safe return.
During a press conference, Don McKenzie, police commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, disclosed that the trio of prisoners had fled from the South Saint George Police Station on February 18. The prisoners then seized the catamaran named “Simplicity” and set course for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where they were subsequently apprehended on Wednesday. McKenzie indicated that information gathered suggests that the occupants of the catamaran were disposed of while en route between Grenada and St. Vincent.
McKenzie emphasized the constraints he faced in divulging details of the case due to an ongoing investigation and the lack of substantive information available to Grenadian authorities. Moreover, he mentioned his limited discussions with his counterpart in St. Vincent have resulted in him possessing only second-hand information. Attempts to reach the St. Vincent police for comments proved unsuccessful at the time.
The Salty Dawg Sailing Association described Hendry and Brandel as experienced sailors and valued members of their community, highlighting their warm and capable nature. The couple had participated in the previous year’s Caribbean Rally, sailing their yacht from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua, and were enjoying the winter months cruising through the eastern Caribbean.
Notably, family members of both Hendry and Brandel have yet to respond to requests for comments. The tragic incident has left the community in shock as the fate of the U.S. couple remains uncertain. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the hijacking and the subsequent disappearance of Hendry and Brandel.