American Couple Feared Dead After Yacht Stolen by Prison Escapees in Grenada
A vacation in the Caribbean turned into a nightmare for an American couple, Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry, who are feared to have been killed after their yacht was stolen by prison escapees in Grenada. The couple, who had planned to spend the winter on their yacht named Simplicity, were last seen a week ago near a beach in the small island nation. Police found their sailboat and captured three escaped criminals whom they believe were responsible for the theft.
According to Don McKenzie, the police commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, the information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St Vincent, the suspects disposed of the occupants, likely throwing them into the ocean. The Grenadan police are still searching for the couple, who hail from Northern Virginia. So far, no bodies have been found, leaving a glimmer of hope for their loved ones.
Family and friends have described Kathy and Ralph as seasoned sailors who embarked on numerous sailing adventures. Just last year, they sailed from Hampton, Virginia to Antigua on their beloved yacht, Simplicity. The couple had been vacationing in Grenada, where they docked their boat before the tragic incident occurred.
“It’s just really sad,” expressed K.C. McAlpin, a longtime friend of Kathy and Ralph. He revealed that the couple had planned to make this their “last grand trip” on Simplicity. However, their dreams were shattered when the yacht was found abandoned on a beach in St. Vincent on February 18. Coincidentally, on the same day, police in Grenada announced the arrest of three convicted criminals who had escaped from custody. The three men, Ron Mitchell, Trevon Robertson, and Abita Stanislaus, were apprehended for an alleged violent robbery that took place in December. Mitchell faced additional charges of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, and causing harm. It is believed that these men hijacked the couple’s yacht in Grenada and made their way to St. Vincent.
While the police have found evidence suggesting that the couple may have been killed, their deaths remain unconfirmed, and the investigation is still in its early stages. Family members released a statement over the weekend expressing their gratitude to officials and those who had assisted in gathering information. They emphasized how much it meant to them that so many people cared for Ralph and Kathy during this difficult time.
Friends of the couple remember them fondly for their warm hearts and easy-going nature. K.C. McAlpin hopes that they will be remembered for the joy they brought to others’ lives. “They were just a delightful couple and a real blessing in my life, and the lives of so many other people,” he said.
As the search for Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry continues, their loved ones hold onto hope that they will be found alive. The story serves as a reminder of the dangers that can lurk even in the most idyllic destinations, and the importance of remaining vigilant while enjoying the beauty of the Caribbean seas.