American Couple Likely Dead After Fugitives Allegedly Steal Yacht in Caribbean
Tragedy struck in the Caribbean as an American couple, Ralph Hendry and his wife Kathy Brandel, who had been living on their yacht, went missing after three escaped prisoners boarded their boat. The couple, hailing from Falls Church, Virginia, disappeared in the waters off the southern Caribbean nation of Grenada. Authorities now believe that Hendry and Brandel are likely dead.
Ralph Hendry’s sister, Suellen Desmarais, was the one who revealed the devastating news. She spoke of the shock, fear, and anger that enveloped their family upon receiving the news. “It’s a phone call you hope you never get,” expressed Bryan Hendry, Ralph Hendry’s son, in an interview with ABC News.
According to Desmarais, the couple was last seen alive by their boating neighbor at the dock on February 18th. However, the following morning, the neighbor noticed that both the couple and their yacht, Simplicity, were nowhere to be found. It was later discovered that the three escaped prisoners had stolen the boat and made their way to the nearby island of St. Vincent.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force confirmed that while sailing from Grenada, the suspects committed several criminal acts, including bodily harm, to Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel. Junior Simmons, head of the public relations and complaints department, informed the public through a video statement that based on the investigation thus far, it is presumed that the couple is deceased.
Upon processing the scene on the yacht, St. Vincent police found signs of violence. Simmons mentioned that there were several items strewn across the deck and a red substance resembling blood in the cabin. These distressing discoveries further solidify the assumption that Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel met a tragic fate.
The three suspects responsible for this heinous act were apprehended on February 21st and are reportedly cooperating with investigators. They appeared in a St. Vincent court, where they pleaded guilty to immigration-related charges. Sentencing is scheduled for March 4th.
Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel had been married for 27 years and had been living on their boat since selling their home in 2013. Described as risk-averse individuals, the couple was known for their meticulous preparations and unwillingness to embark on any journey until they were entirely confident in themselves.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder that even the most careful and well-prepared individuals can fall victim to unforeseen circumstances. The loss of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel has left their families and loved ones grieving, and the entire boating community in shock. As the investigation continues, authorities hope to uncover more details about the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day in the Caribbean.