Missing Antiguan Brothers Found Safe After Mechanical Issues Left Them Stranded at Sea

Published
Brabely Anthonio Esteves-Vasquez and Francisco Antonio Esteves-Vasquez

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.

whatsapp-group-names-for-family-friends (1)

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.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/06/16/missing-antiguan-brothers-found-safe-after-mechanical-issues-left-them-stranded-at-sea. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (6)

  • Rabess June 16, 2025, 6:16 AM

    It is good that they were found safe. When these boys went missing Antiguans had all kinds of things ro say about them because they were Spanish. They were called bad man. Nasty names. Their trip was under question. So what do you have to say now?
    Reply
  • Rhea June 16, 2025, 8:11 AM

    Oh so they were just trying to run away!!
    Reply
  • Teacher for Life June 16, 2025, 9:12 AM

    Praises to the Almighty!
    Reply
  • Juju Bee June 16, 2025, 11:49 AM

    Thank God they are safe and the family mind can be at ease
    Reply
  • Informed citizen June 16, 2025, 12:27 PM

    what a relief! When you hear about people missing at sea, you always brace for the worst. So incredibly happy for their family and that they’re safe. Mechanical issues can be a real nightmare out there – glad they’re okay!
    Reply
  • Antigua Surf June 16, 2025, 2:44 PM

    Thank God that they were found safe!!!
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section