yacht for sail

Luxury Sailing Yachts for Sale

168 sailing yachts for sale worldwide.

If you’re ready to feel the wind in your hair and the ocean rushing under the keel, then you are ready for a sailing yacht. Northrop & Johnson offers one of the industry’s most extensive and comprehensive inventories of sailing yachts for sale. A sailing yacht will be at the top of your list if you’re keen on a genuine connection to the sea. Northrop & Johnson’s dedicated sailing yacht brokers are experts in their field. They are able to match you with the perfect sailing yacht for your needs through our extensive global database and their personal network. Check out our selection of sailing yachts for sale and reach out with any questions or to begin the process of purchasing the sailing yacht of your dreams.

To search by Price Range please select a preferred currency above.

Listed by N&J

Sorry, there were no results found for your search.

Benefits of a Sailing Yacht

While they may be outnumbered on the water by motor yachts, sailing yachts present a unique showcase of features. If you’re interested in regatta capabilities to stellar eco-friendly performance, a sailing yacht is definitely for you. You just can’t beat the music of the wind in your sails while lounging on your deck.

Here are three benefits of sailing yachts:

• Eco-friendly.  Hoist the sails, ladies and gentlemen. Your sailing yacht is more eco-friendly than its motor-powered peers.
• Traditional elegance.  If aesthetics are important to you, sailing yachts feature unrivaled elegance in appearance. These yachts achieve an equilibrium of conventional beauty and modern comforts.
• Cost-effective . Since your sails will be doing a lot of the work, the fuel costs with your new sailing yacht will be less than that of a motor yacht.

Is a Sailing Yacht Right for You?

If you’re looking for the spirit of adventure and exploration of vibrant destinations, a sailing yacht might be right for you. Sailing yachts offer you the flexibility to enjoy exotic adventures in extraordinary accommodations. 

Sailing yachts offer lower-tech construction methods that can be less expensive. Their motion comfort is superb, with smooth hull sections that lend to clean cruising. They also tack easily, with a mix of weight from a homogeneous mass and a pivotable keel. 

Proud to be part of the MarineMax family

© 2024 Northrop & Johnson

Winner of European Yacht of the Year 2023. The Oyster 495 is a new breed of 50 foot sailing yacht

Introducing the award-winning Oyster 495.

A luxury, bluewater cruiser with half a century of Oyster experience and innovation running through her every inch.

Effortless handling

The new Oyster 495 is a 50 foot yacht designed for ease of use and shorthanded sailing.

Distinctly Oyster

She embodies all the learning, insights and innovative features from Oyster’s larger models, intelligently integrated into this benchmark 50 foot sailboat.

LOCAL EXPERTISE

For new yacht sales and our service operation in the Americas, visit our offices in the heart of the US East coast sailing scene, Newport, Rhode Island. We would be delighted to help.

Equipped for adventure

A true liveaboard bluewater cruiser, equipped to take you anywhere in luxury, comfort and safety.

Displaying all the hallmarks of Oyster’s exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, the exceptional build quality of the Oyster 495 means she is built to last a lifetime.

Every inch an Oyster, the new Oyster 495 features instantly recognisable design cues – deck saloon, seascape windows and flush decks, combined with exceptional sailing performance.

Unmistakably Oyster

The latest collaboration between humphreys yacht design and our in-house design studio, the new 495 50 foot sailing yacht is an evolution of five decades of iconic oyster design cues..

Her clean hull lines and wide beam aft are the foundation for the outstanding space and capabilities of the Oyster 495. She incorporates many of our big yacht features in a compact 50 foot yacht. Instantly recognisable as an Oyster, the Oyster 495 features our pioneering deck saloon, protected cockpit and helm stations, wraparound and forward-opening saloon windows. Flush decks, signature triple vertical seascape windows, foredeck skyscape windows, a powerful plumb bow and extended bowsprit complete the look.

We were the first boat builder to create a truly ergonomically designed cockpit and helm positions, with sprayhood and optional bimini for additional protection. Details like the cockpit table, with optional built-in refrigerated drinks locker, that comfortably seats up to eight people, is just one of the many triumphs of Oyster design thinking.

The Oyster 495 consistently delivers powerful, responsive and rewarding performance in safety and comfort.

Nine knots is her happy place and her well-balanced, stable wide-beamed hull form gives you confidence to keep the sails up in almost any conditions. Twin rudders make her light and agile on the helm, offering fingertip control even in the most boisterous seas. Her low centre of gravity keel offers substantial displacement for enhanced stability and handling, and she moves easily in cruising trim. Carrying significant sail power, you are guaranteed consistently fast cruising speeds and the optional sprayhood and bimini provide excellent protection from the sun, whilst improving all-round comfort.

This 50 foot sailboat for sale offers the range of innovative automated sailing technology. This includes in-mast furling with push-button controls and B&G instruments, all operated from the helm positions, making her the perfect choice for couples or young families.

The Oyster 495 features lots of space to relax and share good times with friends and family.

Her wide beam offers unexpected returns in space, both above and below decks – something you will not find on any other 50 foot sailboat for sale. The beautifully styled centre cockpit is perfect for entertaining up to eight people for alfresco dining. The aft pushpit seats are a great place to see all the action under sail. The wide teak deck at the stern and flush foredeck offer generous entertaining and sunbathing spaces.

The transom houses an innovative, push-button operated, cassette boarding/bathing platform. A choice of subtle mood lighting and integrated audio speakers let you set the tone for entertaining guests under the stars.

BUILDING THE 495

Join double Olympic gold medallist, sailor and respected journalist, Shirley Robertson, as we build and sail the first Oyster 495.

New generation interiors feature modern styling, integrated technology and equipment for truly luxurious entertaining and living spaces.

Contemporary luxury and comfort

The oyster 495 benefits from our new generation luxury, contemporary interiors that elevates her above the best 50 foot yachts..

With four interior designed themes, 495’s interiors set a new standard in her class. The well-equipped, seaworthy, u-shaped galley, saloon and cabins are well-proportioned, comfortable and luxurious. Her wide beam aft offers unexpected space compared to any other 50 foot yacht for sale.

She is eminently practical, making her perfect for liveaboard adventures. Intelligent interior space planning, combining insights and the acclaimed craftsmanship from our larger yachts, makes use of every inch of hull volume. The tasteful choice of materials, fabrics and integrated technology throughout, along with modern styling, creates truly luxurious entertaining and living spaces. The impressive owner’s cabin, with its deep luxury mattress, has excellent headroom and signature triple seascape windows, creating an amazing feeling of space and light throughout the new Oyster 495. Our new mood lighting system creates a perfect interior environment.

Like all our yachts, the new Oyster 495 is handcrafted by master craftspeople with a meticulous attention to detail, and a deep sense of pride and passion.

The learnings of half a century of designing and building bluewater cruisers feed into every detail, and the insights of our owners, skippers and crew, sailors and our own team help fine-tune every aspect of the design and build. The result is a unique combination of design, technology, engineering and hand-crafted build quality. Beautiful hardwoods run throughout every inch of this exquisite 50 foot sailboat, in everything from hand-built furniture to intuitively placed grab rails. This focus on detail reveals itself in the beautiful, hand-crafted cabinetry and the easily accessible, carefully labelled cables and pipework that run behind the scenes to make maintenance tasks simple.

The Oyster 495 is a truly connected 50 foot yacht with all the latest technology you need to stay in touch, however remote your location.

Not only does it make her an ideal liveaboard yacht, but it also makes her a work-aboard yacht. Every system is chosen for its ruggedness and fitness for purpose. The chart table is a technology hub, featuring an optional, innovative, foldout, integrated PC; lift-top desk; plotter; VHF and SSB radios; power management; generator control; switchboard; and plenty of power sockets. Oyster’s proprietary digital switching system – Oyster Command™ – lets you monitor and control various systems over a digital network and touchscreen. Optional WIFI can be accessed through the latest satellite technology, or 4G/5G cellular antenna when close to onshore radio masts. Entertainment systems are seamlessly integrated, with a concealed saloon TV and audio running throughout the boat.

The joy of Oyster ownership

There is more than just pride on offer when it comes to owning an Oyster 495. Every new Oyster comes with a comprehensive warranty, personalised care, access to our global service network, unrivalled support, life-changing experiences and so much more.

On an Oyster the world is yours.

OYSTER OWNERSHIP

Ownership benefits rarely experienced in marine

Discover the 495 in detail.

QUICK LINKS

More information

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Specifications & features

Electric in-mast furling system.

The in-mast furling system takes automation and effortless shorthanded sailing to another level.

Electric winches

Push-button control with electric Lewmar winches in sleek, black anodised finish.

Bathing platform

The innovative, automated cassette bathing platform is ideal to access ocean swimming, boarding a dinghy or stern access when berthed. It features a sturdy boarding ladder and integrated freshwater shower on the transom steps.

B&G Navigation package

The standard B&G navigation system displays boat speed, wind and depth information.

Master cabin with Seascape windows

An impressive full width owner’s cabin is completed by Oyster’s signature triple Seascape windows. These create a feeling of light and space, with exceptional ocean views.

Touch screen controls

Oyster Command™ digital switching system controls everything from on board entertainment and lighting to all your main systems, utilities and security, through touchscreens at the helm and chart table.

Wood options

Choose from a selection of wood themed interiors, including shades of sustainable sourced oak and walnut.

Extensive on deck stowage

A full width lazarette and separate sail locker provide ample storage for all your bluewater adventure kit, sails, rigging and mooring gear.

Flush Flexiteak decks

With a beautiful fine grain teak finish, the sustainable synthetic Flexiteak deck is 30% lighter than traditional teak, extremely hard wearing and retains it look with minimal maintenance.

Opening saloon windows

Oyster’s unique, deck saloon forward opening windows provide excellent ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate freely through the yacht while at anchor or under sail.

DNV GL hull certification

DNV GL carry out stringent quality checks throughout the build of the Oyster 495 hull to certify the materials and construction reach the highest standards of extreme strength and durability.

Take advantage of shallow-draft cruising grounds and remote anchorages, with a draft of 1.83m / 6’0”.

Retractable bow and stern thrusters

Sleipner Side-Power retractable bow and stern  thrusters make it simple and safe to manoeuvre in and out of tight marina berths.

Entertainment package

Choose from an optional range of integrated electronic and AV systems to suit your personal preferences.

Saloon day bed

The multifunction saloon table can be raised and lowered to create a comfortable day bed, perfect to relax on and enjoy the integrated widescreen TV.

Hull colours

Personalise your Oyster 495 with alternative coloured hull, mast and sails. See our colour picker for inspiration.

Air conditioning

Keep the interior at the perfect temperature with air conditioning (and generator) that cools and heats. Controls in each cabin allow guests to adjust the temperature based on their personal requirements.

B&G upgrade package

Upgrade the standard B&G navigation package with the additional instrumentation, communication equipment and autopilot package.

Flush teak decks

Extensive sustainably sourced, quarter-sawn, full-depth teak ensures maximum longevity and lifespan of our hand-laid teak decks. Smooth and natural underfoot, they look stunning.

Pushpit seats

For the best seats aboard, the optional pushpit seats provide great views and the perfect spot for sundowners after a memorable day’s cruising.

Enjoy 100 litres of fresh, homemade water per hour with a reliable Dessalator Duo watermaker with automatic controls and manual override.

Add davits to the stern deck for a practical dingy stowage solution when cruising and fast, efficient access when exploring at your destination.

Plans and interior layouts

Colour inspiration

BUILDING MY OYSTER

Adrian Newey, the greatest Formula One race engineer, builds his Oyster 885.

EXPERT OPINION

Independent reviews of the Oyster 495. Find out what the experts have to say.

AWARD WINNING

Oyster 495 wins European Yacht of the Year 2023

The Oyster 495

Expert opinion

495 on test with Toby Hodges

Configure your 495

Create your dream Oyster 495 using our yacht configurator

Building the 495

Follow the build with double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson

The Oyster Fleet

Explore other models

An award winning sub 60 foot bluewater sailing yacht for all oceans.

The new Oyster 595, a 60 foot sailing yacht capable of great things.

A versatile sub 70 foot sailboat designed for the adventurous at heart.

Sign up to our newsletter

Be the first to hear about new launches, exclusive events and all things Oyster

© 2024 OYSTER YACHTS

Follow the Oyster World Rally 2024-25 fleet live

The new 565 Series II

The pursuit of perfection continues

Explore the benefits that come with taking ownership of a new Oyster, and becoming part of the family

GRAND TOURING

The new oyster 885gt revealed. watch her in action.

LUXURY CHARTER

Experience exhilarating sailing, luxury and style on an oyster charter. personal, exclusive and uniquely oyster.

Irish Blessing

Discover the one-of-a-kind oyster 625 with a shoal draft fixed keel allowing freedom to explore, oyster world rally.

Winner of European Yacht of the Year 2023. She sets a new 50 foot bluewater benchmark, offering a stunning combination of sailing performance, comfort, safety and luxurious living space.

Heralding a new generation of Oysters, this 60 foot bluewater cruiser is a sailing yacht for all oceans. Practical and well-provisioned for long distance sailing or cruising in coastal waters.

The much-anticipated Oyster 595 is well-proportioned and extremely versatile. Offering exciting, customised build options with no compromise, she is capable of great things.

A versatile sub-70 foot sailboat offering the perfect balance of size and practicality. She can be sailed shorthanded effortlessly or take a full crew and up to eight friends and family.

This long range 75 foot cruising yacht is designed for very big adventures. A joy to sail yourself, she also boasts dedicated crew quarters.

Oyster 885SII

An exhilarating 90 foot sailing yacht, delivering comfort and safety with uncompromising performance. She is capable of taking you anywhere in the world effortlessly, in luxury and style.

Download brochure

First name *

Last name *

Phone number *

Country/Region *

Attach CV *

Attach covering letter

Current occupation

LinkedIn profile

Your life spent wisely

• Yachts for sale

Save search

Log in or create an account to save your search.

EUR 124,950,000† (EU VAT paid)

• Length: 90.1m (295.6ft)
• Guests: 14 guests in 7 cabins
• Built: 2010 (refitted 2024)
• Lurssen-Werft

O'PTASIA

EUR 89,999,000

• Length: 85m (278.9ft)
• Guests: 23 guests in 10 cabins
• Built: 2018
• Golden Yachts

EUR 79,750,000† (EU VAT paid)

• Length: 80m (262.5ft)
• Guests: 18 guests in 9 cabins
• Built: 2007

PROJECT 825

Price on application

• Length: 75.8m (248.7ft)
• Guests: 12 guests in 6 cabins
• Built: 2025
• Feadship, Royal Van Lent

EUR 109,000,000 (EU VAT paid)

• Length: 74m (242.8ft)
• Guests: 14 guests in 6 cabins
• Built: 2017

USD 62,500,000†

• Length: 71.7m (235.2ft)
• Built: 2006
• Alstom Leroux Naval Shipyard

EUR 55,000,000† (EU VAT paid)

• Length: 70.6m (231.6ft)
• Built: 2011
• Proteksan Turquoise

• Built: 2002 (refitted 2022)
• Royal Denship

EUR 49,500,000†

• Length: 65m (213.3ft)
• Built: 2011 (refurbished 2021)

MAGNA GRECIA

EUR 15,000,000

• Length: 63.8m (209.3ft)
• Built: 1986 (rebuilt 2019, refitted 2019)
• Elsflether Werft

You've viewed 10 of 61

Register for an account today

Curate your own yachting space and find more of what’s important to you

• Motor yachts for sale

• Sailing yachts for sale

Buy a yacht

Discover the Burgess difference

At Burgess, we always go the extra mile to find your perfect yacht and are here to guide you every step of the way during the process of buying a yacht. From securing private viewings to sourcing the best luxury yachts for sale from around the world, our expertise is your guarantee.

Access to luxury yachts unavailable on the open market

We don’t just have access to the largest public inventory of new and pre-owned luxury yachts to buy on the market, we shortlist your selection from a wide-reaching network of yacht owners to ensure you only ever get the yacht that you truly want.

Highly experienced yacht brokers with your needs in mind

Working together to deliver the best results is integral to the Burgess DNA, so all Burgess brokers share information globally to guarantee unrivalled market insight and ensure client requirements are always met. There is nothing more important than customer satisfaction.

Unrivalled view of prevailing market opportunities

The market moves quickly in the superyacht world, which is why we have positioned ourselves to gain the best vantage point, with access to the most attractive yachts to buy, to ensure you have a tailored selection wherever you are in the world.

Price reduction on ROYALE X

Burgess guide to Miami International Boat Show

ZUMA is for sale

PERLE BLEUE is for sale

NEW SECRET is for sale

Price reduction on CRAZY – bring offers

AMANTI is for sale

Price reduction on STYLIA

Sign up to our newsletter, stay in the loop.

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated with all things Burgess.

What would you like emails about?

• Chartering a yacht
• Buying or selling a yacht
• General superyacht news

In order to understand how we use and protect your personal information, please read our privacy policy .

• Mediterranean
• French Riviera
• Corsica & Sardinia
• The Balearics
• Croatia & Montenegro
• The Bahamas
• Caribbean - Leeward Islands
• Caribbean - Windward Islands
• British Virgin Islands
• US Virgin Islands
• New England
• Indian Ocean
• South East Asia
• French Polynesia
• The Red Sea
• Motor yachts for charter
• Sailing yachts for charter
• Latest offers
• Destinations
• New to charter
• Meet the Charter team
• Superyacht videos
• 360° yacht tours
• Corporate & event charters
• Inspiring charter ideas
• Charter FAQs
• Every day different

Charter OLYMPUS

Available now in the Caribbean or West Med from May

Huge 12.5m chase tender perfect for dive excursions, fishing and exploring coastlines. She has is all.

Charter SEA EAGLE

Available from 10 Feb in Costa Rica before heading to the South Pacific

World’s largest aluminium luxury schooner yacht, ready to take you on an adventure

• Yachts for sale over 200 feet
• Yachts for sale from 150 to 200 feet
• Yachts for sale under 150 feet
• Tenders and chase boats for sale
• Yachts under construction
• Meet the Brokerage team
• Berths for sale
• Sold yachts
• Yacht marketing
• Delivered yachts
• Yacht designers
• New Build Sales
• Meet the Technical Services team
• Meet the Yacht Management team
• Crew vacancies
• Meet the Crew Services team
• Procurement Services
• Charter Management
• Sales Management
• Yacht Marketing
• Meet the Insurance team
• 360 degree yacht tours
• Boat shows and events
• Office vacancies
• Talent pool
• Office locations
• Burgess in Asia
• Burgess Blue Oceans
• Strategic partners
• Press centre
• Company Operations
• Crew Services
• New Business
• Technical Services
• Yacht Management

Filter your results

• Yachts for charter

Featured Sailboat:

Choosing the perfect fit for your sail: Bareboat vs. Crewed Yacht charters

S etting sail in the open expanse of the sea might sound thrilling but challenging at the same time. Choosing the correct type of yacht for your voyage can be a dilemma, especially when there are so many types. But do they match your needs?

For this, the first step is to do your research. This will bring clarity to your decision on whether you want to set sail alone or need professional assistance. Choosing the correct type of yacht is crucial for a hassle-free sailing experience.

Yacht charters have endless types, but this article only gives you in-depth information about the broader categories of bareboat and crewed charters.

The goal is to help you make an informed decision by considering your group size, requirements, and priorities.

So let’s get started!

Types of yacht charters

Each yacht charter is tailored to meet different tastes and priorities, and choosing one can be overwhelming. Some of the most famous known types include:

Bareboat charters

Crewed charters.

• Skipper charters
• Luxury charters
• Cabin charters

This section will delve into the pros and cons of bareboat and crewed charters to help you plan the vacation you rightly deserve.

Chartering a bareboat gives you a thrilling experience of exploring the open sea. This type of yacht gives you freedom of navigation. This means you’re the captain, and you’re the crew.

However, the sailing period is pre-defined while renting a bareboat from a charter company.

Pros of bareboat charter:

• Flexibility 

On a bareboat charter, you are the captain to set your itinerary. There is no need to stick to a fixed schedule, and you can make changes as you desire. This gives you the advantage of discovering more unexplored sites you can’t do on a busy cruise.

• Cost-effective experience

Bareboat charters provide financial leverage because you handle the boat yourself. So, heavy charges of the crew can be avoided easily. This cost-saving feature makes it an attractive choice for a memorable voyage across the sea.

• Customized experience

Chartering a bareboat allows you to be accessible to personalize your sailing experience. You can choose your dream destination and explore in solitude.

This provides an excellent opportunity to create precious, intimate memories with family and friends. So, your sailing experience will reflect your preferences and interests.

• Self-confidence

The independence that the bareboat charter offers comes with a bundle of self-confidence. You get an opportunity to manage life at sea on your own.

Getting out of your comfort zone of traditional traveling boosts your confidence automatically and motivates you to discover the hidden gem of places on your own.

Cons of bareboat charter

• Experience required

The independence that a bareboat charter offers seems attractive. However, it comes with a precondition. You must have prior sailing experience, and the necessary sailing skills are required for a self-sufficient adventure in the sea.

• Self-catering

Preparing meals, planning, and managing supplies can be daunting; on a bareboat charter, you are responsible for self-catering. It can be an enjoyable experience for culinary enthusiasts. However, it required precise planning and organizing to ensure self-sufficiency in the sea.

Even though an independent sail must be thrilling, nothing compares to having an assisted crew while you relax and enjoy the panoramic ocean scenes.

A crewed charter usually comes with a small crew of a skipper, a chef, and a hostess to assist you while you relax.

Pros of crewed charters

• Professional crew service

A skilled captain always makes navigation easier. By renting a crewed charter, you will gain a deeper insight into your destination through the crew’s local knowledge. Moreover, it ensures your safety and expert guidance in the sea.

This will not only make your journey smooth but memorable as well. Whether it comes to navigation or wanting a cocktail, the crew will be there to fulfill every need.

• Stress-free sail

The whole point of a vacation is to remain stress-free. While the crew handles all the operations and technicalities, you are left by yourself to enjoy. This provides an excellent opportunity to make memories with your loved ones or immerse in your surroundings without any worry.

With the crew catering to your every need, it leaves you plenty of time for exploration and relaxation.

• Customization

Crewed charters are famous for their adaptability. If you want to make any changes in your schedule, the crew is there to help you. You can plan intimate family gatherings and celebrations with your friends with the help of a limited but professional crew.

It is an attractive option because your voyage can be personalized to make it memorable. This adds a hint of exclusivity but at a reasonable price.

Cons of a crewed charter

• Costly 

The exclusivity that a crewed charter offers comes with a price tag. Even though it ensures a wholesome experience with a professional crew, it can be a limiting factor for people with a budget constraint. So, careful evaluation is necessary when paying this much for an experienced crew to be on board with you.

• Limited privacy

Even though a professional crew ensures safety, their presence can be a compromise to your independence and privacy on the yacht. Your crew may influence your itinerary, and this results in less freedom than a bareboat charter.  

However, these confusions can quickly be cleared out very easily. By communicating your needs effectively to your crew, they can maintain a balance between privacy and assistance.

• Itinerary limitations

The crew’s operations may impact your original plan, and these changes may not always be feasible. This can be frustrating sometimes but can be resolved by communicating with your crew.

However, the level of independence is different from a bareboat charter.

Now you can decide…

We have discussed the pros and cons of the primary two yacht categories. We now know that a bareboat charter stands out for independent sailors who seek a self-sufficient adventure. On the other hand, a crewed charter offers more relaxation as the operational and technical aspect of sailing is handled by crew members. At the same time, you relax in a hassle-free vessel.

These distinctions will help you make an informed decision while considering your budget constraints, prior sailing experience, and dream destinations.

Once you research, you can also contact yacht chartering companies for more information. Chartering companies worldwide, like 12knots.com yacht charters , offer a diverse insight into a fleet of yachts and sailing destinations.

So ditch the old travelling options, and for your next vacation, charter a yacht for a perfect getaway.

• CLASSIFIEDS
• NEWSLETTERS
• SUBMIT NEWS

OK Dinghy World Championship 2024 at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Brisbane - Day 4

Related Articles

• BREAKING NEWS Numbers drawn in $607 million Mega Millions jackpot Full Story
• ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream Watch Now
• THE LOOP | NYC Weather and Traffic Cams Watch Now

US couple missing in Caribbean after fugitives allegedly steal their yacht: Police

An American couple has gone missing in the Caribbean after three escaped prisoners allegedly used their yacht to island hop before getting recaptured by authorities, according to investigators.

Ralph Hendry and his wife Kathy Brandel disappeared from their yacht, Simplicity, which was docked in the waters of the southern Caribbean nation of Grenada, Hendry's sister, Suellen Desmarais, told ABC News.

Police have not confirmed the identity and nationality of the couple but are investigating the incident.

Hendry and Brandel were last seen alive by their boating neighbor at the dock on Sunday afternoon, according to Desmarais. The neighbor said he saw the couple entering a restaurant, Desmarais said.

"That man went to bed that night and he looked over and Simplicity was there when he went to bed," but when the neighbor "got up at 6:30 a.m. on Monday morning, Simplicity was gone," she told ABC News.

Desmarais said the couple had been in Grenada for about two weeks, and their yacht left the island a week earlier than planned.

The Royal Grenada Police Force said the yacht allegedly became the target of three alleged criminals, Ron Mitchell, Trevon Robertson and Abita Stanislaus, all from St. Andrew, Grenada, who escaped from a police station after they were arrested on Sunday.

They were charged jointly with robbery with violence before their escape, police said. Mitchell was also charged with rape, attempted rape and indecent assault, according to investigators.

All three fugitives allegedly managed to make their way to a neighboring Caribbean country using the yacht, but they were caught by police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday, according to authorities.

Grenada Police said they are "currently working on leads that suggest that the two occupants of the yacht may have been killed in the process."

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association, a sailing association that the couple belonged to, said in a statement a good Samaritan boarded the yacht when anchored and abandoned off a St. Vincent beach and contacted both them and the Coast Guard when he found no one inside.

The good Samaritan allegedly "found evidence of apparent violence," according to the association.

"I have spoken to the families and have offered our deepest condolences and our assistance in any way possible. In all my years of cruising the Caribbean, I have never heard of anything like this," Bob Osborn, SDSA's president, said in a statement Friday evening.

The investigation is ongoing.

The couple, who lived on the boat, had been sailing the same route for a number of years, Desmarais said. That route started in Virginia, followed by a stop in Massachusetts, then to Florida to see Desmarais and her family, before heading south to island hop in the Caribbean.

Hendry and Brandel's two children and Desmarais' son traveled to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday to join the search.

"Their love for life and island people, they're good, basic people," Desmarais said. "Until they find a body, they're still alive."

Related Topics

Top stories.

60-year-old man stabbed on Bronx subway train

Numbers drawn in $607 million Mega Millions jackpot

Nassau County Executive stands firm on transgender athlete ban

Female head, man's arms found with other body parts on Long Island

VIDEO: Fire truck slams into furniture store in Rockville Centre

Riverside Church celebration honors life, legacy of Harry Belafonte

AccuWeather: Rain, heavier in the morning

1 person killed, firefighter hurt in fire in the Bronx

latest in US News

Monster blizzard shuts down 100 miles of interstate, dumps snow...

Suspected trafficking victim missing for 7 years found in motel...

'Drunk driver' freed on $150K bond, escorted out of jail by dad...

Sen. joe manchin squares up against activist who called him 'sick....

Body of missing 13-year-old found in Florida woods as mother's...

US Education Dept. opens probe into late nonbinary teen's...

Ex-MLB great leads Adam Schiff in California Senate race: poll 

Queens squatter's lawyer claims new owners of $2M dream home are...

Virginia couple feared dead after 3 escaped prisoners steal their yacht in the caribbean.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed
• Email the Author
• Follow on Twitter

Contact The Author

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

A Virginia couple is feared dead after three escaped prisoners stole their docked yacht from a Caribbean marina and fled to another island.

Ralph Hendry and his wife Kathy Brandel, who live on their yacht, Simplicity, were last seen by a boating neighbor on Sunday afternoon in St. George’s on the island nation of Grenada, as they headed to a restaurant.

The pair live on their boat during the winter and arrived on the island two weeks prior, intending to stay another week before they went missing.

“They went into town [on Sunday] to have a little bite and to walk back,” Hendry’s sister Suellen Desmarais  told WPTV-Tampa . “Somehow Ralph crossed paths in this teeny tiny town with these three men. What happened after that, we’re not sure.”

‘This was their whole life,” she added. “They didn’t own another home; they didn’t own cars; they owned Simplicity.”

‘Ralph and Kathy are the kindest people in the entire world, and I just can’t understand how a tragedy like this could happen to people as kind and nice as them.”

Hendry and Brandel have sailed the same route for the past few years, from Virginia to Massachusetts before heading down to Florida to visit Desmarais, and eventually to the Caribbean where they would island hop,  according to ABC News.

They went missing the same day that three fugitives, Ron Mitchell, 30, Trevon Robertson, 19, and Abita Stanislaus, 25, escaped the South St. George Police Station. The escapees then made their way to the marina, where they fled to another Caribbean island, authorities said.

They were subsequently captured on Wednesday in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The RGPF is currently working on leads that suggest that the two occupants of the yacht may have been killed in the process,” the Royal Grenada Police Force said in a press release.

“It is believed that the occupants of the yacht were American citizens.”

Never Miss a Story

Sign up to get the best stories straight to your inbox.

Thanks for signing up!

Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Never miss a story.

The suspects each face one count of robbery with violence. Mitchell, a sailor, was separately charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape, two counts of indecent assault and causing harm.

The Simplicity was recovered by authorities after a Good Samaritan found it anchored off of a St. Vincent beach. When they boarded, they discovered the boat had been ransacked and “found evidence of apparent violence.”

Authorities spotted bloodstains in the interior but no sign of the couple,  according to People magazine .

Desmarais, however, is holding out hope the couple is still alive.

“It feels made up, and I just can’t comprehend why someone would do this?” she said. “Why didn’t someone just take the boat?

‘What happened in Grenada was a perfect storm. It was a perfect tragedy of a perfect storm of a perfect love story.”

She also  told Fox 5 DC,  “Why would I presume anyone is dead with no body and DNA? I want to remain positive. I want to believe that they are alive,”

Hendry and Brandel’s two children and Hendry’s nephew traveled to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to join the search for the couple on Friday, according to reports.

“This investigation is in its infancy stage and the RGPF have dispatched a team of senior investigators and a forensic specialist to St. Vincent in furtherance of this investigation,” the RGPF said.

Share this article:

Advertisement

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

Sailing Yachts For Sale

While they may be far outnumbered by their motor yacht peers, sailing yachts are unique in terms of regatta capabilities and eco-friendly performance. Most buyers of a sailing yacht for sale wouldn’t swap their bluewater cruisers or regatta winners for anything. After all, there's nothing quite like sipping ice-cold mojitos to the soundtrack of a sail flapping gently overhead.

That's why we have invited a mix of some of the most elegant, traditional, modern and enjoyable sailing yachts for sale to be showcased on BOAT – to help those aspiring owners to find their perfect match. Owning a sailing yacht comes with numerous benefits, freedom and flexibility to set sail whenever and wherever. Plus, the eco-friendly credentials never go out-of-date.

Here, we take a look at some of the standout sailing yachts for sale with BOAT International, including sailing yachts from legendary names such as Royal Huisman , Perini Navi , Nautor's Swan and Jongert .

Yacht Features

Propulsion System

• CLASSIFIEDS
• NEWSLETTERS
• SUBMIT NEWS

BoatLife 2024 affirms position as key UK boat sales show

Related Articles

Upcoming Events

Yacht sales agents hit with US class action over commission fees

Reporting by Mike Scarcella

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Read Next / Editor's Picks

Industry Insight

Mike Scarcella, David Thomas

Karen Sloan

Henry Engler

Diana Novak Jones

A private island off the Florida Keys for sale at $75 million: It includes multiple houses

A 26-acre private island know as Pumpkin Key is on the market for $75 million.

The listing managed by Liz Hogan of Compass offers combo deal including a mainland home in Key Largo and the entire island with multiple amenities for convenient management of the estate.

"There are two ways this will sell," Hogan told USA TODAY in an interview. "Either it will go for a family looking for a family compound and a legacy property or a developer will buy it to build on the island and sell the parts."

The estate's current owner, a family from the Midwest, has used it as a family compound but its generations are growing out of it, Hogan said.

More: See retired Alabama football coach Nick Saban's $17.5 million Florida home

Listing includes mainland home with dock, 4-minute boat ride to island

The mainland home as part of the listing is on the Key Largo coast closest to Pumpkin Key, and includes a dock that stretches more than 100 feet long to be able to boat quickly between the mainland and the island.

The home is also part of the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, which Hogan says is a fully sufficient yearlong resort. It has its own airport for private jets, a member-only hotel, another marina and two 18-hole golf courses.

If a buyer wants to give up that house, the island has its own 23-slip marina capable of accommodating a mega-yacht and tennis courts that convert into a helicopter pad for the brief jet to Miami.

Private island listing comes with 2 homes, 3 apartments and office

The listing comes with:

• A mainland house with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a 140-foot dock
• A ranch-style house on the island with three bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms and a pool
• Three apartments spread across two structures on the island, ranging from studio to two-bedrooms. The current owners have used these to house caretakers
• A 23-slip marina on the island with a dock office and master quarters

Each structure on the island has fiber optic cable, water and electricity. The 11 undeveloped lots on the island have the infrastructure ready for building as well.

Hogan said an acre-lot on the mainland sold for $24.5 million recently.

Not Big on Cruising? This Intimate Sailing Ship Feels More Like a Private Yacht

Here’s what it’s really like to cruise on the classic sailing vessel sea cloud spirit ..

• Copy Link copied

On the recently launched 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , passengers sail far off the beaten cruise path in intimate luxury.

Courtesy of Sea Cloud Cruises

Sailing along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica under full-wind power, fishing lines cast off the back to catch something to supplement the dinner menu, it was hard to believe I was on a cruise ship.

On the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , there is no swimming pool, no casino, and no pickleball court on board. You won’t find a 24-hour snack bar serving hamburgers and hot dogs at all hours. And yes, you may have to eat some of your meals outside among the natural elements.

In return, however, you get an authentic tall-ship sailing experience with all the amenities of an intimate, sustainably focused, five-star cruise that takes you far off the well-worn tourism path. Travelers can jump off the ship’s swim deck directly into the ocean instead of into a man-made pool; ride horseback on a small family-owned ranch; wander private gardens filled with sloths; snorkel and paddleboard along the reefs of remote and uninhabited islands; or simply spend a day relaxing under the billowing sails.

It’s what Sea Cloud Cruises calls “gentle tourism.” I call it unmatched relaxation on what may be one of the first lines to successfully fill that ever-elusive category of “best cruise for non-cruisers.”

On the Sea Cloud Spirit , there’s no swimming pool, casino, or pickleball court. Instead it has 69 well-appointed cabins, a spa, a fitness center, outdoor decks, an indoor lounge, a bar and restaurant, and 44,000 square feet of canvas sails.

The Sea Cloud Spirit is the newest and third ship in the world’s only fleet of cruise ships that still sail the old-fashioned way, under more than two dozen sails that are completely raised and managed by hand. It is a small vessel, one whose appearance is more pirate ship than traditional cruise liner. And the overall vibe and experience is one of pure private yacht–style luxury.

The original ship, Sea Cloud , is a legend. Built more than 90 years ago for cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post by her husband, E.F. Hutton, the ship at the time was the largest privately owned yacht in the world.

Sea Cloud II (built in 2001) and Sea Cloud Spirit were built to uphold the ambience of a private yacht and tall-ship sailing inside and out. They feature elegant cabins with ample wood details as well as modern amenities such as comfortable beds and air-conditioning.

Launched in 2021, Sea Cloud Spirit is the newest of the three—and the biggest, at 453 feet in length with 69 cabins. And while that is still quite small by most cruise-ship standards, it features a surprising number of extras without feeling overly cramped or crowded.

There’s a spa and hair salon with two treatment rooms, a relaxation area, a steam room, and a sauna. On the sundeck is a glass-walled library where you can escape the elements to read or play games without giving up the views or sailing experience. There’s also a fitness center from which you can see the water while working up a sweat.

Scattered across the lido and sun decks are a variety of lounge chairs and day beds for sunning and napping under the sails. There’s also a large indoor lounge and restaurant. At the back of the lido deck are the main bar and the outdoor dining area, where most lunches and dinners are provided.

Like the ship itself, the cabins are surprisingly spacious. All are outside cabins, ranging in size from two 140-square-foot solo cabins to 300-square-foot veranda suites. On a recent sailing earlier this month, I stayed in a 272-square-foot junior veranda suite, which had an outdoor deck as well as an indoor seating area, plus an oversize whirlpool tub and a double vanity in the spacious bathroom.

A big draw is experiencing the crew unfurling the sails manually.

Setting sail

The main event on any Sea Cloud ship, of course, is setting sail. Our first morning we went up to the sun deck to watch 22 deckhands climb into the shrouds to set and unfurl the ship’s sails while the chief officer explained the process.

Based on their hats, logo shirts, and their keen interest in the raising of the sails, several passengers clearly were sailors themselves. But you don’t have to know anything about sailing to appreciate and enjoy the magic of being powered by the wind and 44,000 square feet of canvas.

The ship doesn’t use the sails after dark for safety reasons, and the captain estimated that the Sea Cloud Spirit operates under wind power about 30 to 50 percent of any given cruise. When not sailing, the ship is powered by two diesel-electric engines that operate entirely on low-sulfur marine diesel fuel.

Sea Cloud vessels bring passengers to more remote corners of the world, such as the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica.

Photo by Luis Diego/Unsplash

The itinerary

One of the biggest bonuses of sailing with Sea Cloud Cruises is the small ships’ ability to venture where larger ships cannot go. While the itineraries vary dramatically—the ships sail everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and beyond—the one constant is the focus on sustainable activities that keep guests away from heavily trafficked areas.

Our 11-day sailing (which starts at $9,530 for the 2025 version) took us 1,200 miles along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica , through the Panama Canal, down through Panama’s San Blas archipelago, then back to Colon and Panama City.

Our first stop was Playa Panama, a small beach in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region where some of us hopped on a coach to visit a local ranch that is hoping to preserve and showcase a more traditional way of life by opening up to small groups of tourists. We started with a few lessons in Costa Rican traditions, including tortilla making and coffee roasting, before splitting into groups for zip-lining or horseback riding. Only six of us went horseback riding with the ranch owner and his grandson, who took us on a short cattle drive followed by a leisurely gallop across the sprawling ranch.

In Golfito, Costa Rica, we visited another family working to support tourism while conserving their corner of the ecosystem: La Perica Sloth Garden. The family opened the garden just before the pandemic after discovering the sloth habitat while building trails to help their aging grandmother walk the property. There are so many sloths that you are essentially guaranteed a sighting. Indeed, we saw 10, as well as monkeys and macaws.

After Golfito, the stops became even more remote, ending in the San Blas archipelago, where we visited a small island inhabited by the Cuna people, who have traditionally shunned tourism.

The Sea Cloud Spirit may be an intimate sailing ship, but the cabins aren’t too cramped.

Life onboard

While much of the cruise is about experiencing and embracing life under the sails, whether that’s relaxing on deck, dancing after dinner, or eating under the stars, during sailings there is also a focus on learning more about the local communities, wildlife, people, and food being experienced along the way.

Onboard for our itinerary was Costa Rica and Panama expert Stephen Westin, who gave insightful lectures on the history of the Panama Canal and the Cuna people of the San Blas archipelago. We also had a guest chef, Cindi Huston from Miami, who supplemented the already generous and diverse menus with her mouthwatering concoctions that included Costa Rican coffee and cocoa-crusted skirt steak, a special coconut fish dish, and ceviche with plantain chips.

There was, of course, a lot of fresh fish on offer, including some tuna, wahoo, snapper, and mahi-mahi that crew members caught while we were sailing.

For some, meals out on deck is a plus; for others, they may prefer to eat inside on more balmy nights.

One of my favorite things about the trip was the international mix of passengers. The ships are owned by a German holding company and have traditionally catered mostly to Germans, which makes for some interesting cultural encounters. For instance, after sweltering one windless night during dinner on the lido deck, the crew the next night offered a choice of eating indoors or outdoors. It was just as hot the following evening, but only the Americans opted for the air-conditioned dining room. The Germans laughed, telling us how much they loved the heat.

The crew bent over backward to accommodate the North American minority, hosting an American-style Super Bowl party on the night of the big game, with hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and more—all in the air-conditioned lounge.

Watch CBS News

Virginia couple missing in Grenada and feared killed after yacht allegedly stolen by escaped criminals

By Nikki Battiste, Tucker Reals

Updated on: February 27, 2024 / 4:48 PM EST / CBS News

Two Americans who planned to spend the winter on a yacht in the Caribbean were officially missing Monday, but feared to have been killed  after their boat was stolen by prison escapees in Grenada. Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry were last seen a week ago near a beach in the small island nation. Police found their sailboat, and captured three escaped criminals whom they believe stole it.

The couple was likely thrown into the ocean and died, police in Grenada said Monday. "Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St Vincent, (the suspects) disposed of the occupants," Don McKenzie, police commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, said at a news conference .

Grenadan police were still searching for the couple, who are from Northern Virginia, and they told CBS News' Washington, D.C., affiliate WUSA that no bodies had been found.

Family and friends have described the couple as seasoned sailors who just last year sailed their yacht, named Simplicity, from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua. They confirmed that the pair had been vacationing in Grenada, where their boat was docked.

In a statement Tuesday, the couple's family said that Hendry and Brandel sailed the eastern coast of the U.S., living on their yacht, "making friends with everyone they encountered, singing, dancing and laughing with friends and family."

"It's just really sad," said longtime friend K.C. McAlpin, who added that Brandel and Hendry had planned to make this their "last grand trip" on Simplicity.

Instead, things may have taken a very tragic turn. The couple went missing on Feb. 19, one day after police in Grenada say three convicted criminals escaped from custody. 

The three men — identified as Ron Mitchell, 30, Trevon Robertson, 19, and Abita Stanislaus, 25 — were arrested in December over an alleged violent robbery. Mitchell also faced one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm.

All three were recaptured Wednesday, Feb. 21. The yacht was also found that same day, Brandel's 71st birthday, abandoned on a beach on the nearby island of St. Vincent.    

The police believe the men hijacked the couple's yacht in Grenada and then traveled to St. Vincent.

Police said they found evidence suggesting the pair were killed, but the Americans' deaths have not been confirmed and the investigation was still in its early stages, they stressed.

"Several items were strewn on the deck and in the cabin, and a red substance that resembled blood was seen on board," said police spokesman Junior Simmons 

Over the weekend, family members released a statement thanking officials and those who had helped gather information, saying it "means so much to us that so many people care for Ralph and Kathy."

"We live in world that at times can be cruel, but it's also a world of profound beauty, wonder, adventure, love, compassion, caring, and faith," the family said on Tuesday. "Our parents encompassed all those values and so much more. If we have learned anything from this tragic event, it's that we know they left this world in a better place than it was before they were born."

McAlpin said the couple always made friends easily and he hoped they would be remembered for their big hearts.

"They were just a delightful couple and a real blessing in my life, and the lives of so many other people," he said.

• Missing Persons

Nikki Battiste is a CBS News correspondent based in New York.

More from CBS News

Navalny's Moscow funeral draws crowds despite tight security

Will new evidence free the Menendez brothers?

Remains of Florida girl who went missing 20 years ago found, sheriff says

Cancer survivor's dream of expanding family on hold after Alabama IVF decision

Missing Virginia couple were likely thrown overboard in the Caribbean, police say

Missing virginia couple likely thrown overboard in caribbean: officials.

An older U.S. couple whose catamaran was hijacked last week in the Caribbean by three escaped prisoners were likely thrown into the ocean and died, police in Grenada said Monday. The announcement is a blow to those who were independently helping search for Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel and had hoped they were still alive. FOX 5's Nana-Sentuo Bonsu has the story.

An older U.S. couple whose catamaran was hijacked last week in the Caribbean by three escaped prisoners were likely thrown into the ocean and died, police in Grenada said Monday.

The announcement is 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, said at a news conference that the three prisoners escaped on Feb. 18 from the South Saint George Police Station. They hijacked the catamaran "Simplicity" on Feb. 19 and headed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where they were arrested last Wednesday, he said.

"Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St Vincent, they disposed of the occupants," McKenzie said.

When pressed for details, he said, "We have nothing conclusive to say that the individuals are dead. We still hold out hope that in spite (of) what might be a low probability, that they would turn up alive somewhere."

He noted that he was "quite limited" with what he could share with the public regarding the case because the investigation is ongoing, and because Grenadian authorities still don’t have much information.

"The information I possess is limited and can be considered second-hand as I have had very limited discussions regarding the details of the investigation with my Vincentian counterpart," McKenzie said.

St. Vincent police could not be immediately reached for comment.

Hendry and Brandel have been known to take trips to go cruising around Grenada. Their family told FOX 5 this is something they always do – live on their boat during the winter months. It's an escape from their home in Falls Church, Virginia. 

Missing Virginia couple's yacht found ransacked in the Caribbean

According to reports from investigators in the Caribbean, their boat was found abandoned in Saint Vincent.

The reports claim it was "ransacked" and it was apparent that a violent act took place.

There are three men in custody in connection to the Virginia couple's disappearance. Detectives in Grenada say the men are prisoners who were already facing robbery and rape charges.

Ralph Hendry’s sister, Suellen Desmarais, is still trying to figure out what happened, but told FOX 5, she’s keeping faith alive.

"On Sunday, they went into the town around three o’clock because another boater saw them go into town. And then the other boater, when he went to bed, he noticed that they were there cause you always look to see who is around you and in the morning, when the boater woke up they were gone," Desmarais said. "Why would I presume anyone is dead with no body and DNA? I want to remain positive. I want to believe that they are alive."

Ralph and Kathy were part of a sailing association called the Salty Dog .

Ralph Hendry and Kathy BrandelThe three escaped prisoners were recaptured on Feb. 21. Photo via Royal Grenada Police Force

The president of the group, Rob Osborn — who also lives on the sea — received a message from a good Samaritan who saw the abandoned yacht. He called local authorities before informing the couple's family.

"This is a tragedy that has shaken our community," Osborn said. "There are literally 100s of people who do what I do in the winter. I just want everyone to know that this is very rare."

"When people ask us if we worry about pirates, the answer is ‘no.’ These are friendly islands," he continued. "Whether you are in NYC, Chicago or here, sometimes bad things happen. And this is heinous."

FOX 5 has learned that Kathy and Ralph's children are in the Caribbean at the moment working with local authorities on this investigation.

In a statement sent to FOX 5, a spokesperson for the State Department said, "We are aware of these reports involving U.S. citizens missing in the vicinity of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with families however we can. We are monitoring the situation and seeking additional information. The Department of State has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad.  We stand ready to provide appropriate assistance to U.S. citizens in need and to their families."