VA - Amy Bradley - missing from cruise ship, Curacao - 1998 #3

[Sleuthster]

Why would I be open to a possibility that's been logically disproven by the FBI?

What evidence has the FBI provided to the contrary? A photo and rumors that Amy was human trafficked? I also fee its highly possible that she fell overboard.

 

[fsngruv]

I watched the video on the FBI page about Amy and they make a slightly different statement, "A reward of up to $25,000 is available for information leading to the resolution of the case of missing Virginia woman Amy Lynn Bradley, who was last seen while on a cruise in 1998." It is also provided below the video, that being said I don't think it would be wise to get too caught up in FBI verbage and what it means in comparison to other high profile missing people. The FBI is also offering a reward for an agent missing in Iran for nearly 20 years... I'm sure they want to recover as much as possible on every case they investigate. The FBI is involved in this case because it occured on international waters.
I am also interested in any info where the FBI has completely disproven the theory she fell over board. We all understand they knew Amy was a strong swimmer and no body was recovered, but that's does not completely disprove the theory imo. Is that just surmised by the og poster because of implied language used by the FBI?

 

[Jezel]

I've made multiple posts about it, Sleuthster. Please read them.

 

[Tower]

The FBI is a professional organization. Their words have meaning and are not chosen willy-nilly.

Amy was last seen with Alister Douglas coming out of the elevator by three different people.

I am not sure why people assert that either Amy fell off the ship, or she was sex trafficked. There are obviously more possibilities than that.

The Jas photos may very well not be Amy. That doesn't mean that she fell off the ship.

There is no logic whatsoever to the overboard theory. It's just what people want to believe because it's nicer than the alternatives.

I personally don’t believe falling overboard is any “nicer” than drug or alcohol poisoning and subsequent hiding of her body. I think it’s the most likely, but any of these outcomes are tragic, with years of forced sex work obviously more upsetting for the family. In any case, it seems obvious that she has passed now, with little chance for answers.

 

[Tower]

And? I'm finding it really hard to understand exactly what your point is. Yes, perhaps a 15-year-old is easier to deceive. But so what? No one said Amy was "deceived" into anything. It's not like she was lured to a car or to a park with the promise of petting a puppy.

The argument was that traffickers don't just kidnap people like this, and that argument is proven untrue by the fact that it actually does happen. The government says so, the cruising industry says so, and there's evidence of it actually happening in black and white. My links prove all the above so I'm not sure what we're still arguing.

I’m not arguing anything on this thread, just stating my opinion that it’s most likely that she went overboard, followed by alcohol poisoning, drug overdose and really nothing after that because I find other explanations too unlikely.

We don’t know what evidence the FBI has, but keeping the investigation open in the absence of any conclusive evidence is consistent with how they’ve handled other cruise ship disappearances. When they found evidence, they closed those cases. Offering a reward and asking for tips is not the same as putting extensive resources into actively investigating this as a crime.

Even if they suspect she fell overboard as I do, I’m glad the FBI does not draw conclusions without ample evidence. As I stated before, in my opinion, it doesn’t mean they think something nefarious happened to her. They have no conclusive evidence, so the case remains open for tips.

 

[dop1985]

Did you see the links I posted above? They specifically state that cruise ships are used to recruit and traffick people. We actually don't know if people may have been "forcibly abducted" from a cruise ship or how many because it isn't a common crime due to limitations of cruise ships. But to say it never happens or can't happen is inaccurate, IMO. There are a number of scenarios in which I can envision this happening, just like regular abductions on land.

Yes, I did. A name of one person being forcibly abducted from a cruise ship would be helpful.

Why would I be open to a possibility that's been logically disproven by the FBI?

When has the FBI ever said that she didn't fall off the ship?

There are a number of crimes that happen on-board cruise ships and several people who go missing.

https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/fc16ceb6-8308-47ba-8326-fc6317a10c2f

Knowing this, I don't understand why it's so difficult to believe that a young woman could have been drugged during the course of a crime or in preparation of a crime as the ship arrived at port.

There are two theories that are believable to me: that she unintentionally died while being drugged/raped and the body was concealed to be dumped at sea or that she drugged and abducted off the ship.

The theory of going overboard, while most likely in the case of average cruise ship missing person, is not consistent in this case with the amount of time, money, and manpower by the FBI who has a lot more information we do. It's also inconsistent with the number of witnesses who've come forward and deemed to be at least somewhat credible by the FBI.



AND the FBI. I don't know why that is being dismissed or minimized. The FBI does not waste decades of valuable resources on cases like this unless they feel there is reason to do so.



Just because we have a different theory does not mean that we are not well-informed on the reality of human trafficking or the complexity of abducted someone from a cruise ship. We can be just as well-informed as you, or more so, and still have this theory.

MOO.

What resources have they spent on the case other than make routine updates to the missing person's flyer? It's not as though they're actively searching the Caribbean for her at the moment.

Murdered and dumped overboard is possible, but I'm hard pressed to believe this has anything to do with organized sex trafficking and I don't think she left the ship.

 

[Murkywaters]

I’m not arguing anything on this thread, just stating my opinion that it’s most likely that she went overboard, followed by alcohol poisoning, drug overdose and really nothing after that because I find other explanations too unlikely.

We don’t know what evidence the FBI has, but keeping the investigation open in the absence of any conclusive evidence is consistent with how they’ve handled other cruise ship disappearances. When they found evidence, they closed those cases. Offering a reward and asking for tips is not the same as putting extensive resources into actively investigating this as a crime.

Even if they suspect she fell overboard as I do, I’m glad the FBI does not draw conclusions without ample evidence. As I stated before, in my opinion, it doesn’t mean they think something nefarious happened to her. They have no conclusive evidence, so the case remains open for tips.

That is not how the FBI handles cruise ship disappearances, or any case for that matter. They only investigate cases where there is evidence that a federal crime was likely committed. They do not just investigate ''any case'' and keep open until they find evidence. If that were true, that would be investigating every missing person or homicide case, which they do not.

- CRUISE INDUSTRY OVERSIGHT: RECENT INCIDENTS SHOW NEED FOR STRONGER FOCUS ON CONSUMER PROTECTION

International Cruise Victims Association reports they have been told by the FBI that a person overboard is not necessarily a crime and thus will not be investigated and not included in the FBI's official statistics. It is difficult to understand how a determination can be made about whether a case of a person overboard is not a crime without a proper investigation. Even if CCTV videotapes show a person falling overboard, an investigation may be warranted to determine the conditions surrounding the incident, for example whether intoxication is an issue and whether the cruise ship was responsible in serving alcohol. Current wording of the CVSSA does not classify a person overboard as a crime.

 

[Jezel]

Well, I give up. Nothing is good enough for the overboardists, who all apparently know more than the FBI. If you all know so much about what happened to Amy, please contact the FBI and let them know. Peace!

 

[Dre]

Well I’m just up here on the fence, I’ll entertain any theory at this point. Which makes me feel terrible for her family, I can’t imagine the endless ruminating. Praying they reach any iota of peace

 

[dop1985]

Well I’m just up here on the fence, I’ll entertain any theory at this point. Which makes me feel terrible for her family, I can’t imagine the endless ruminating. Praying they reach any iota of peace

Regardless of what we each believe ultimately happened, I think the one thing we can all agree on is that we want closure and some sense of peace for the Bradley family.

 

[Tower]

That is not how the FBI handles cruise ship disappearances, or any case for that matter. They only investigate cases where there is evidence that a federal crime was likely committed. They do not just investigate ''any case'' and keep open until they find evidence. If that were true, that would be investigating every missing person or homicide case, which they do not.

- CRUISE INDUSTRY OVERSIGHT: RECENT INCIDENTS SHOW NEED FOR STRONGER FOCUS ON CONSUMER PROTECTION

International Cruise Victims Association reports they have been told by the FBI that a person overboard is not necessarily a crime and thus will not be investigated and not included in the FBI's official statistics. It is difficult to understand how a determination can be made about whether a case of a person overboard is not a crime without a proper investigation. Even if CCTV videotapes show a person falling overboard, an investigation may be warranted to determine the conditions surrounding the incident, for example whether intoxication is an issue and whether the cruise ship was responsible in serving alcohol. Current wording of the CVSSA does not classify a person overboard as a crime.

Your own source says the FBI investigates evidence until it is determined there is no crime. There is no conclusive evidence she went overboard. In 2025, most ships have cameras. Your own source says the FBI even investigates overboard cases to determine responsibility (e.g., intoxication). The FBI continues to investigate cruise missing person cases until they can find conclusive evidence of what happened.

 

[Murkywaters]

Your own source says the FBI investigates evidence until it is determined there is no crime. There is no conclusive evidence she went overboard. In 2025, most ships have cameras. Your own source says the FBI even investigates overboard cases to determine responsibility (e.g., intoxication). The FBI continues to investigate cruise missing person cases until they can find conclusive evidence of what happened.

The source clearly states that a person overboard is not crime and thus will not be investigated or classified as such in FBI official statistics.

Kidnappings & Missing Persons | Federal Bureau of Investigation

Select the images to display more information.

www.fbi.gov

Also, taking a look at the FBI's official website, I'm not seeing any other cruise ship disappearances listed. In fact, there are none, at all. Except for Amy Lynn Bradley.

 

[Murkywaters]

View Yellow Notices

View and search public Yellow Notices for missing persons

www.interpol.int

Amy Bradley also still has a ''Yellow Notice'' out for her via INTERPOL. The world's largest international police organization. This alert goes out to all 196 Interpol member countries, falicilating the sharing of information between various international agencies. This alert also allows for Amy to be detained if she is recognized by a customs official.

About Yellow Notices

A Yellow Notice is a global police alert to help locate missing persons.

www.interpol.int

From their website:

What is a Yellow Notice?​

A Yellow Notice is a global police alert for a missing person. It is published for victims of parental abductions, criminal abductions (kidnappings) or unexplained disappearances.

The Yellow Notice can also be used to help identify a person who is unable to identify himself or herself.

This is a valuable law enforcement tool that can increase the chances of a missing person being located, particularly if there is a possibility that the person might travel, or be taken, abroad.

Why is the Yellow Notice important?​

• It gives high, international visibility to cases
• Abducted/missing persons are flagged to border officials, making travel difficult
• Countries can request and share critical information linked to the investigation.

 

[dop1985]

View Yellow Notices

View and search public Yellow Notices for missing persons

www.interpol.int

Amy Bradley also still has a ''Yellow Notice'' out for her via INTERPOL. The world's largest international police organization. This alert goes out to all 196 Interpol member countries, falicilating the sharing of information between various international agencies. This alert also allows for Amy to be detained if she is recognized by a customs official.

About Yellow Notices

A Yellow Notice is a global police alert to help locate missing persons.

www.interpol.int

From their website:

What is a Yellow Notice?​

A Yellow Notice is a global police alert for a missing person. It is published for victims of parental abductions, criminal abductions (kidnappings) or unexplained disappearances.

The Yellow Notice can also be used to help identify a person who is unable to identify himself or herself.

This is a valuable law enforcement tool that can increase the chances of a missing person being located, particularly if there is a possibility that the person might travel, or be taken, abroad.

Why is the Yellow Notice important?​

• It gives high, international visibility to cases
• Abducted/missing persons are flagged to border officials, making travel difficult
• Countries can request and share critical information linked to the investigation.

How long has that been out for? There was an alleged sighting of her in San Francisco in 2003... Doesn't seem plausible that she was able to enter and exit the country unnoticed regardless, but even more so with that "Yellow Notice" out.

 

[Murkywaters]

How long has that been out for? There was an alleged sighting of her in San Francisco in 2003... Doesn't seem plausible that she was able to enter and exit the country unnoticed regardless, but even more so with that "Yellow Notice" out.

It was published in 2011. Hence the case number #2011-955

 

[Tower]

The source clearly states that a person overboard is not crime and thus will not be investigated or classified as such in FBI official statistics.

Kidnappings & Missing Persons | Federal Bureau of Investigation

Select the images to display more information.

www.fbi.gov

Also, taking a look at the FBI's official website, I'm not seeing any other cruise ship disappearances listed. In fact, there are none, at all. Except for Amy Lynn Bradley.

There is NO verification that she is a “person overboard,” therefore the FBI is investigating this case as a missing American. The FBI does not form an opinion without evidence, that is not how investigations work. Now there are alarms and sirens that can instantly verify if a person has gone overboard.

Rebecca Coriam’s case would almost certainly be an open FBI investigation, except that she is British. Many circumstances are similar to AB’s.

The case of George Smith was investigated by the FBI, but they found evidence in that case, so more conclusions could be made about what happened.

There is no conclusive evidence in this case.

 

[Murkywaters]

There is NO verification that she is a “person overboard,” therefore the FBI is investigating this case as a missing American. The FBI does not form an opinion without evidence, that is not how investigations work. Now there are alarms and sirens that can instantly verify if a person has gone overboard.

Rebecca Coriam’s case would almost certainly be an open FBI investigation, except that she is British. Many circumstances are similar to AB’s.

The case of George Smith was investigated by the FBI, but they found evidence in that case, so more conclusions could be made about what happened.

There is no conclusive evidence in this case.

The Rebecca Coriam case would absolutely not be an FBI case if she was an American; they might have assisted in the beginning, but there really are no concrete signs of foul play in her case that would warrant them taking over the investigation. I don't think you understand how the FBI operates when it comes to missing persons cases and taking over investigations. The FBI does not investigate just ''any case''; that's not how they operate. The FBI even rejected the Jennifer Kesse case when they took a look at it in 2011, because in spite of the fact she was likely abducted, there is no evidence a federal crime was committed, aka, being taken across state lines, held against her will, carjacking, etc.

The FBI closed the George Smith case in 2015, most likely because they knew they weren't going to be able to bring charges against the people who likely killed him. The United States and Russia do not have an extradition treaty.

 

[fsngruv]

I'm sharing this article as it's a recent cruise ship missing person/accident and it also describes the role the FBI plays when investigating American passengers on international waters.

"The FBI has jurisdiction to investigate crime on cruise ships where either the victim and/or the assailant is a U.S. national. Regarding deaths, the FBI can investigate homicides or “suspicious deaths” at sea. The last time the FBI investigated a death was on February 27, 2023 when a woman died under suspicious circumstances on the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship."

According to video footage it appears as if Mr. Peale was leaning over the railing and accidentally fell over.

The FBI Becomes the Lead Agency Investigating the Disappearance of Cruise Passenger Ronnie Peale from the Carnival Magic

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has indicated that it is involved in the investigation of the disappearance of 35 year-old Ronnie Peale, Jr.

www.cruiselawnews.com

 

[neesaki]

Did you see the links I posted above? They specifically state that cruise ships are used to recruit and traffick people. We actually don't know if people may have been "forcibly abducted" from a cruise ship or how many because it isn't a common crime due to limitations of cruise ships. But to say it never happens or can't happen is inaccurate, IMO. There are a number of scenarios in which I can envision this happening, just like regular abductions on land.

I can't even comprehend how some here completely deny she was abducted. It's unfathomable to me.

 

[Tower]

I can't even comprehend how some here completely deny she was abducted. It's unfathomable to me.

Evidence. As in, there is no conclusive evidence for any theory. Very sad for her family.