Friends Demand Fresh Search of Missing Sarm Heslop’s Boyfriend’s Boat
Family and friends of Sarm Heslop, 41, from Southampton, are urging a new, thorough search of the 47-foot catamaran where she vanished nearly two weeks ago in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The call comes amid claims that her American boyfriend, Ryan Bane, has hired a lawyer and is refusing to cooperate fully with investigators.
Mystery Grows as Boyfriend Clams Up and Blocks Search
Ryan Bane reportedly won’t answer questions or let authorities search the boat, raising eyebrows. Andrew Baldwin, a close friend of Heslop’s, told Fox News:
“Given that they lived on the boat, and that she’s gone missing on the boat, that’s a natural place for the police to search, and I just don’t understand why Ryan won’t allow that to happen to find Sarm. I don’t get it. That’s the frustration more than anything else.”
Heslop’s family insist they “would like assurance” that the authorities are “doing everything possible,” including a careful fingertip search of the vessel.
Timeline: Last Sighting and Delayed Missing Person Report
- Bane and Heslop returned to the boat after dinner around 10 p.m. on March 7.
- Bane reportedly noticed Heslop was missing at 2:30 a.m. on March 8 before calling the police.
- Bane then met with the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) to give a statement, according to his lawyer, David Cattie.
Baldwin questions whether the Coast Guard did more than a quick look around. A spokesman confirmed the Coast Guard boarded the vessel to interview Bane, conduct a safety check, and search the area but found no sign of Heslop.
Authorities’ Search Hampered as Boyfriend Exercises His Silence
The VIPD says Bane, advised by his lawyer, has exercised his right to remain silent and refused search requests. Although Bane handed over Heslop’s belongings—including her phone and passport—authorities remain frustrated at the lack of access to the boat.
Baldwin added:
“We have heard that Sarm’s phone, passport and all belongings were left on the boat, where she was living with Mr. Bane. She would not just disappear, leaving no trace. She is savvy and sensible, it’s not like her at all, it just doesn’t add up.”
Search Continues Amid Growing Concern
The catamaran was anchored just 50 yards offshore in Frank Bay, in shallow water about 11 feet deep. Heslop was an experienced sailor, having crossed the Atlantic and sailed the Caribbean for six months, making her sudden disappearance even more puzzling.
The VIPD confirmed they are conducting multiple daily searches, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing hours of surveillance footage as the desperate hunt for Heslop enters its second week.
