The missing brothers, Brabely Antonio Esteves-Vasquez and Francisco Antonio Esteves-Vasquez, have been found safe after encountering mechanical issues that left them stranded at sea.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) confirmed the news after directly communicating with the young men’s mother, who expressed her relief at having contacted her sons.

Last week, the boys, who are from Santo Domingo but have Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship, were reported missing by authorities in St Maarten.

The brothers’ ordeal began when their vessel suffered mechanical problems during their travels, causing them to drift between the two islands for a significant period.

This situation explained their sudden disappearance and their inability to contact family, which raised serious concerns about their well-being.

The investigation into their disappearance commenced after they traveled from Antigua to Sint Maarten and subsequently went missing. Worried family members traveled to Sint Maarten to raise the alarm, leading KPSM to initiate an active investigation.

Inspector Joe Josepha, KPSM’s communications officer, indicated that the situation was taken seriously due to Sint Maarten’s role as a major transshipment hub in the region.

The incident was particularly alarming, given that the brothers were under investigation in Antigua for a reported altercation with a local fisherman, which had resulted in the victim suffering facial fractures.

While their safe return brings relief to their loved ones and authorities, KPSM noted that the circumstances surrounding the case remain under review.