Accident – Death – Obituary News : An American couple, Ralph Hendry, 66, and his wife, Kathy Brandel, 71, went missing and are presumed dead after their catamaran yacht was hijacked by three escaped prisoners near Grand Anse Beach in Grenada. The couple’s catamaran, named “Simplicity,” was found abandoned in St. Vincent with signs of violence at the scene. According to authorities, the couple was likely thrown overboard in the Caribbean Sea during the hijacking.
**Investigation Reveals Tragic Fate**
Authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines stated that based on the investigation so far, it is presumed that Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel are deceased. Don McKenzie, police commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, confirmed that the three prisoners escaped from the South St. George Police Station and hijacked the catamaran the following day. The suspects are being investigated for several criminal acts, including bodily harm to the couple.
**Heartbreak for Family and Sailing Community**
Hendry and Brandel were described as seasoned sailors who lived on their beloved catamaran. They participated in last year’s Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua and were spending the winter cruising in the eastern Caribbean. The couple’s families expressed their gratitude for the support received from authorities and the community during this difficult time.
**Travel Advisories in the Caribbean**
Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are under a Level 1 travel advisory, urging U.S. citizens to take normal precautions in the area. Other Caribbean islands, such as the Bahamas and Jamaica, have Level 2 and 3 advisories in effect due to increased crime rates. The U.S. State Department issued warnings for travelers to exercise caution in these regions.
**Conclusion**
The tragic incident involving the American couple highlights the importance of safety measures while traveling in the Caribbean. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the couple’s disappearance, while family and the sailing community mourn the loss of two experienced sailors. It serves as a reminder for travelers to stay vigilant and be aware of their surroundings in unfamiliar territories..