Sarm Heslop's family plea to police over boat sale

But now it is up for sale – meaning police may never be able to conduct a forensic investigation on it.

Sarm Heslop went missing from St John in the US Virgin Islands in the early hours of Monday March 8, 2021, from her boyfriend Ryan Bane’s catamaran.

Sarm Heslop has been missing since March 8.

Her parents and friends continue to urge the local police department and the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all they can to further the search.

A full forensic search of the catamaran Siren Song, of which Sarm was a resident with her boyfriend Ryan, has allegedly never been carried out, as no search warrant has so far been granted by US authorities.

It is now understood that Mr Bane listed the ship for sale for USD 229,000, with claims its recognisable name has been removed from the vessel’s exterior.

#FindSarm, the group of Sarm’s closest friends is publicly pleading for the authorities to reconsider the forensic search of the catamaran prior to its sale.

They said “Once the boat is sold any evidence which could hold vital clues to Sarm’s disappearance will be lost forever and that would be devastating.

"The boat is the last place Sarm was seen so it is critical that, despite all the weeks which have passed, it is searched in order progress the investigation.

"The smallest clue could hold the key. This could have been a crime scene; without the search we will never know."

Sarm is described as 5 feet 8 Caucasian female of slim build. She has a bright coloured tattoo on her left shoulder featuring a seahorse, bird, butterfly and a pink flower.

Sarm Heslop has been missing since March 8.

“We implore the UK authorities to work hand in hand with the FBI and the Virgin Islands Police Department to search the boat before Mr Bane sells it with its new name," added the group.

“The CCTV cameras were not working in the bar and restaurant in which she was last seen with Ryan Bane on the night she went missing. There are no security cameras on the boat and no sign of Sarm on land or in the sea despite air and sea searches.

"Sarm would not just go missing. Someone, somewhere, knows what happened and if a search warrant can be obtained it may help Sarm’s parents to get the answers they need and deserve.”

A reward of $10,000 for anyone with information that leads to a significant breakthrough in the case is offered and anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Sarm is urged to call Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS.

Southampton woman Sarm Heslop has now been missing for three months

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Sarm’s family: https://gofund.me/f25712dd