Prison Escapees Hijack Yacht, Toss Couple Into Caribbean to Die

Ralph Hendry and Kathleen Brandel, a couple from Falls Church, Virginia, have been reported missing after their yacht was hijacked by three escaped prisoners in Grenada. The seasoned sailors were last seen heading into a restaurant on the island. The next morning, their yacht and the couple were gone. Authorities believe the escapees, Ron Mitchell, Abita Stanislaus, and Trevon Robertson, hijacked the catamaran and threw the couple overboard during their escape.

The Royal Grenada Police Force has charged the three men with capital murder, kidnapping, and other offenses. Despite an ongoing search, the bodies of Hendry and Brandel have not been recovered. The escapees were recaptured on the neighboring island of Saint Vincent after a manhunt. The yacht was found abandoned with signs of violence, including a red substance believed to be blood, further indicating the couple’s likely grim fate.

Hendry and Brandel were well-known members of the Salty Dog Sailing Association and had been living on their yacht, Simplicity. They had sailed from Virginia to Antigua for a sailing rally and were spending the winter in the Caribbean. The couple’s family and friends described them as adventurous and kind, living a life full of love and joy.

The escapees had been arrested on various charges before breaking out of jail on February 18th. Grenadian authorities have launched an internal investigation to determine how the prisoners managed to escape. The suspects were initially found guilty of immigration violations in Saint Vincent and have since been extradited back to Grenada.

The disappearance and presumed deaths of Hendry and Brandel have deeply affected their community. The Salty Dog Sailing Association and the couple’s family have expressed their grief and hope for justice. The next court appearance for the accused is scheduled for March 27th.