Two American cruisers, Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry, who have been reportedly killed after their yacht was allegedly hijacked by three prison escapees in Grenada, are being fondly remembered as a kind-hearted and experienced sailing couple by those who knew them.
Identified by their sailing club, the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, as long-time members and significant contributors to the organization since its inception, Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry hailed from Virginia. They had embarked on a winter cruising adventure in the Eastern Caribbean following their successful voyage from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua with their yacht, Simplicity.
Although authorities have yet to confirm the victims’ identities, Grenadian police have reportedly apprehended three men who escaped from prison on February 18 and are suspected of being involved in the tragic event.
The Salty Dawg Sailing Association expressed their sympathy and released a statement from Brandel’s and Hendry’s family, who thanked the entire cruising community for their support. “We want to reach out to the entire cruiser community to express our gratitude for everyone that worked to gather information from eyewitnesses and provide search and rescue support. It means so much to us that so many people cared for Ralph and Kathy as friends and fellow cruisers who are willing to stop and help in whatever way possible,” the family statement read.
In addition, they called on other sailors and those unaffiliated with the official investigation to stand down in their searches, expressing gratitude to St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and Coast Guards for their diligent efforts. “The only way we feel this situation could be worse would be if anyone was hurt or endangered trying to conduct searches,” the statement added.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established on behalf of Nick Buro, Brandel’s son, to help fund the recovery of the yacht and their belongings, funeral costs, and support.
The Salty Dawg Sailing Association reported that its executive director, Tatja Hopman, was contacted by a good Samaritan who discovered an abandoned yacht and found the association’s contact information. The club stated that the skipper also alerted the coast guard, who subsequently notified St. Vincent police about the situation.
Bob Osborn, the club’s president, conveyed his condolences and sympathy to the families, stating that he had never encountered such an incident during his years of cruising in the Caribbean. “This is a very upsetting event and details are still unconfirmed by the authorities, but this does appear to be a tragic event – our hopes and prayers are with Ralph and Kathy and the family who love them,” Osborn stated.
The US State Department acknowledged awareness of these reports involving American citizens and is actively seeking more information.
Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Superintendent Junior O. Simmons confirmed on Saturday that the suspects are cooperating with the investigation, and further details would be released in due course.
