(Image via msn.com)
Business Manager: Brendan Flaherty
Email: bflaherty1@umassd.edu
On February 26th, authorities reported that three prison escapees likely hijacked a Virgin couple that had been missing and was most likely thrown overboard during the alleged hijacking.
After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that three men from the Grenadian jail escaped on February 18th and found their way onto the old couple’s ship.
As reported by NBC New York, the inmates were ages 19, 25, and 30. All of which were under severe charges, including rape and assault.
Thankfully, the three inmates were recaptured on February 21st. NBC New York reported that authorities have “dispatched senior investigators and a forensic specialist to St. Vincent.”
What started as a simple boat outing for a couple turned into a nightmare when they went missing for more than a week.
Although nothing is officially confirmed, according to the Commissioner of the Grenada Force in the Caribbean, “the suspects committed several criminal acts including bodily harm to the couple.”
Sadly, it can be presumed that the couple has passed away despite an extensive search and rescue attempt carried out by the Grenadines Police Force.
The couple had been married for 27 years and quickly realized that sailing was their passion.
They sold their home in Virginia to live out their sailing dreams for the rest of their lives and started living on the Simplicity (the ship’s name). They planned on staying out on the water for the rest of their lives.
Nick Buro and Bryan Hendry, the sons of the victims, went on to talk about how what happened to their parents was nothing short of unimaginable.
“They didn’t have another home… And having that safety and security taken away from them abruptly and have them attacked in where they live, it’s just, it’s unimaginable.” quoted from NBC New York.
The boys still hold onto hope that somehow their parents were able to survive, but signs from the ship are not hopeful, as the couple’s possessions were found strewn, and there was blood located throughout the boat.
When the news spread to the tight-knit community they made themselves a part of, it shocked and disturbed many.
What happened to the couple is tragic, but there is no reason to become alarmed or halt any traffic to the Carribean.
This is especially true for Grenada, which, according to an article on msn.com, is one of the safer countries to visit in the Caribbean.
“Looking at the statistics, Montserrat, a tiny British Overseas Territory reached via Antigua, enjoys an enviably low crime rate… Other destinations to consider are Aruba, Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba, Grenada, (etc.)”
Furthermore, travellersworldwide.com mentions that it boasts a “…much lower crime rate than other Caribbean islands or even major cities in the United States.”
They talk about primary ways to stay safe in the country, although it is not an LGBTQ+ – friendly place yet.
What happened to the couple was unique and disheartening, as the people who knew the couple could never imagine such an event happening to someone they cared about.
People can rest assured that the Grenadian Police have control of the situation, and there is no need to fear traveling in the Caribbean as long as you are safe.