An American couple, Ralph Hendry, 66, and Kathy Brandel, 71, who had set sail from Virginia to spend the winter cruising in the Caribbean, has gone missing while sailing off the coast of Grenada. Their boat, named Simplicity, was found abandoned in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, sparking concerns about their well-being.

The Royal Grenada Police Force, investigating the couple’s disappearance, has linked it to the escape of three prisoners from a Grenadian prison who fled to St. Vincent and the Grenadines by boat. While the authorities have not publicly identified the missing Americans, it is suspected that they may have encountered harm as a result of the prison break.

According to the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, a skipper alerted the association on Feb. 21 after discovering the empty Simplicity anchored off a beach in St. Vincent. The Coast Guard and local police were then notified to investigate the situation further. Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, both experienced sailors, were reported to have been living on their boat and had recently completed a sailing club rally from Virginia to Antigua.

The couple’s son, Nick Buro, expressed concerns for his parents’ safety and provided information about their sailing history and recent whereabouts. The association’s tracking map indicated that the Simplicity had been anchored in Grenada before mysteriously appearing in St. Vincent. The Coast Guard secured the vessel for investigation, collaborating with the U.S. Embassy and local law enforcement agencies.

In a parallel development, the Royal Grenada Police Force disclosed that the fugitive prisoners involved in the escape were apprehended the same day the couple’s boat was discovered. The prisoners, Trevon Robertson, Abita Stanislaus, and Ron Mitchell, faced charges of violent robbery among other offenses. The swift response of the St. Vincent authorities in securing the Simplicity and capturing the escaped convicts was praised by the families of the missing couple.

The families acknowledged the efforts of the cruising community in supporting the search for Ralph and Kathy while urging everyone to remain vigilant. The investigation into the disappearance is ongoing, with forensic experts being dispatched to St. Vincent to gather more information. Bob Osborn, president of the sailing club, described the missing couple as kind-hearted and skilled sailors, expressing hope for their safe return.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by a family friend to assist with the costs associated with the search and potential rescue efforts. The page highlighted Ralph and Kathy’s adventurous spirit and their love for sailing, emphasizing their commitment to exploring new horizons during their retirement. As the search continues, the families of the missing couple remain hopeful for a positive outcome and appreciate the outpouring of support from the community.