An American couple, Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry, who vanished after their yacht was apparently hijacked in Grenada, are being remembered as warm-hearted and experienced sailors by those who know them. The couple, who had been married for 27 years and sold their home in Virginia to live life on the water, were found missing after a good Samaritan discovered their abandoned boat, Simplicity, off the coast of St. Vincent. Their sons, Nick Buro and Bryan Hendry, are holding onto hope that their parents are still alive, despite evidence of violence on the boat and the possibility that the couple may have been killed by three escaped inmates from Grenada. The Royal Grenada Police Force has suggested that the suspects may have killed the two people on board the yacht. The suspects, Ron Mitchell, Trevon Robertson, and Abita Stanislaus, have been recaptured and are cooperating with the investigation.

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association, to which the couple belonged, is working with authorities to gather information and provide support. The club described Brandel and Hendry as warm-hearted and capable cruisers who had been planning their trip to Grenada for years. The family of the missing couple has expressed gratitude for the support from the sailing community and has urged others not to conduct searches on their own. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help recover the yacht, cover funeral costs, and provide support for the family.

Despite the tragic situation, the family is still hopeful that Kathy and Ralph will be found alive. Both Buro and Hendry believe that their parents, who were seasoned sailors and prioritized safety, may still be out there. The couple's love for adventure and different cultures has left a lasting impact on those who knew them. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to confirm the identities of the missing couple. The U.S. State Department is monitoring the situation and seeking additional information. The family is appreciative of the efforts of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and Coast Guard in the search for their loved ones.