Deportation ordered for suspects in disappearance of US couple in SVG

In a significant development from St Vincent and the Grenadines, authorities have mandated the deportation of three Grenadian men linked to the mysterious disappearance of a US couple. 

The incident involved the hijacking of the couple’s catamaran.

A swift judicial response

The individuals identified as Trevon Robertson, 19, Abita Stanislaus, 25, and Ron Mitchell, 30, faced the legal consequences of their actions in the eastern Caribbean island of St Vincent. 

After admitting to immigration violations, Senior Magistrate Colin John ordered their repatriation to Grenada “as soon as practicable.”.

Escalation of a maritime mystery

Reports are that the suspects escaped from Grenadian custody on February 18, leading to the alleged commandeering of Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel’s catamaran. 

They illegally entered the southwestern coast of St Vincent and the Grenadines and docked a yacht off Wallilabou, Anchorage.   

The saga continued as the yacht was discovered off the southwestern coast of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

The scene showed clear signs of violence but no trace of the couple onboard.  The Police believe the couple were thrown overboard as the suspects sailed to St. Vincent.

This discovery prompted an immediate manhunt, culminating in the capture of the suspects in the village of Petit Bordel.

Ongoing investigation and communal remembrance

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association, reflecting on Hendry and Brandel’s seasoned participation in the previous year’s Caribbean Rally, mourns the loss of the veteran cruisers. 

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities noting there were signs of violence aboard the couple’s boat found abandoned in St Vincent.