The partner of Sarm Heslop, a British sailor who went missing in the US Virgin Islands, has issued a lengthy statement denying any involvement in her disappearance. Ryan Bane, an American, emphasized that he and Heslop shared a loving relationship and defended his decision to seek legal counsel following her disappearance. Bane’s statement comes after the release of CCTV footage showing the couple together shortly before Heslop vanished.
The footage captured them walking hand-in-hand along a dock in St John before returning to their yacht. Bane highlighted the affectionate nature of their interactions in the video and refuted claims that he made no effort to locate Heslop after realizing she was missing. He criticized media coverage of the case, alleging the omission of crucial facts and misleading narratives.
Questions have arisen regarding Bane’s actions in the hours surrounding Heslop’s disappearance, with scrutiny also falling on his past record of domestic violence. Despite these challenges, Bane continues to maintain his innocence and has resisted calls for a forensic search of the yacht where Heslop was last seen. The case remains unresolved, leaving Heslop’s family seeking closure.