British citizen missing – friends call for “urgent and thorough” investigation
Southampton resident 41 year old Sarm Joan Lillian Heslop went missing from a catamaran from St. John in the US Virgin Islands in the early hours of Monday March 8, 2021.
Heslop was first reported missing on Monday. She is described by police in the Virgin Islands as being a Caucasian female of unknown height and weight. She has a tattoo on her left shoulder.
“Heslop was last seen on March 7 aboard the vessel Siren Song, that was moored off the coast of St. John,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said.
The Virgin Islands Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating her and asking for any information about her disappearance.
Sarm’s best friend in the UK who did not wish to be named said “We have heard that Sarm’s phone, passport and all belongings were left on the boat, where she was living with her boyfriend. She would not just disappear, leaving no trace. We are asking for an urgent and thorough investigation into this incident as her friends here at home are devastated and just need her disappearance to be made a critical priority.”
According to press reports A U.S. Coast Guard spokesman said that Sector San Juan received a call from a man at 11:46 a.m. Monday, “who reported that his girlfriend may have fallen from their 47-foot catamaran, the Siren Song, the night before.”
The caller said they had gone to sleep at around 10 p.m. and “at 2 a.m. he woke up and realized that she was not on board.”
Sarm’s friend added “We would like to thank all the local community for their support in searching for Sarm both on water and land. They have been so amazing but we urge them not to give up until she is found or we have more information.”
A Facebook page has been set up MissingSarmHeslop.