US couple whose catamaran was hijacked were likely thrown overboard and died, Grenada police say

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Police in the Caribbean say they believe a U.S. couple whose catamaran was hijacked by three escaped prisoners were thrown into the ocean and died. Announcements Monday (Feb. 26, 2024) by police in Grenada and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines were a blow to those who were independently helping search for Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel and had hoped they were still alive. Don McKenzie, police commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, says the three prisoners escaped on Feb. 18 and hijacked the catamaran Simplicity the following day. They were arrested last Wednesday in St. Vincent. He says information suggests the prisoners disposed of the couple while traveling between Grenada and St. Vincent.