The family of a missing Virginia couple whose yacht was found abandoned and looted in the Caribbean has spoken out and thanked those who helped in the search effort. .
In a statement released by their sailing group, Salty Dawg, Brian Hendry and Nick Breaux said: “We have reached out to the entire cruiser community, gathered information from witnesses and worked tirelessly to assist in search and rescue operations. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who helped.” Sailing Association (SDSA). “It means so much to us that so many people cared about Ralph and Kathy as friends and cruisers and stopped to help in any way they could.”
Ralph Hendry and Kathy Blundell were anchored in the St. George’s area of Grenada on Sunday. Authorities said three fugitives ambushed them and stole a yacht called Simplicity.
Three escaped prisoners. Ron Mitchell, 30-year-old sailor. According to reports, Trevon Robertson, a 19-year-old unemployed man, and Abita Stanislaus, a 20-year-old farmer, were taken into custody on suspicion of violent robbery, and their eldest son was also taken into custody on three counts of attempted rape. Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF).
Virginia couple hijacks yacht in Caribbean, escapees fear death
The family thanked all the search and rescue teams who worked to find Ralph Hendry and Kathy Blundell. (Salty Dawg Sailing Association)
Police said the three prisoners, all locals from Paradise, Grenada, had been in captivity since December.
The RGPF said the three escaped prisoners were found near another Caribbean island on Wednesday, but there was no sign of the couple.
“In the interest of the safety of the cruising community, we are asking all cruisers and those not affiliated with the authorities having jurisdiction to disembark, as we feel this situation could worsen further. The only way out is if someone is injured or in danger.”We are conducting a search,” the family said.
Investigators said the boat was ransacked and acts of violence took place.
“The RGPF is currently working to gather clues that suggest the two occupants of the yacht may have died in the process,” police said in a Facebook post on Thursday. “It is believed that the yacht’s occupants were American citizens.”
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A Virginia couple who were enjoying their retirement cruising the Caribbean on a yacht are feared to have died after three escaped convicts hijacked their boat, called the Simplicity. . (Salty Dawg Sailing Association)
A GoFundMe post by Jessica Mouse, a close friend of one of the couple’s sons, said the couple had died.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the senseless act of violence that tragically claimed the lives of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Blundell. Kathy and Ralph lived on their beloved catamaran. “Their lives ended in an unimaginable tragedy on Sunday, February 19th, off the coast of Grand Anse Beach, Grenada.”
But Hendry’s sister, Suellen Desmarais, told FOX 5 she continues to believe they are alive and is trying to figure out what happened.
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Ron Mitchell, 30-year-old sailor. Trevon Robertson, a 19-year-old unemployed man, and Abita Stanislaus, a 20-year-old farmer, were taken into custody in connection with the disappearances of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Blundell. (RSVG Police, via Facebook)
“Why would you assume someone is dead when there is no body or DNA? I want to be positive. I want to believe that he is alive,” Desmarais said, detailing the heartbreaking incident. .
SDSA President Bob Osborne, on behalf of the entire Salty Dawg family, said: “This is a very upsetting incident and although the details have not yet been confirmed by authorities, this appears to be a tragic event. “Our hopes and prayers are with Ralph and his father.” “Kathy and their loving family. I have spoken to the family and offered my utmost condolences and any support possible. In all my years of Caribbean cruising, I have never heard of anything like this. there is not.”
As of Sunday, the GoFundMe page had nearly $45,000 in donations, which Maus said will help recover the ship and belongings, cover funeral costs and provide support to grieving families dealing with the tragedy. It states that the funds will be allocated to
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The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) said three prisoners were found near another Caribbean island on Wednesday, but there was no sign of the couple. (Salty Dawg Sailing Association)
The RGPF said in a statement on Friday that it was investigating clues “suggesting” that the yacht’s two occupants may have died.
“This investigation is in its early stages,” police said.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan and Christina Coleman contributed to this article.
