Amy Bradley Ransom Deal: $50,000 Offer Revealed in Cruise Disappearance Mystery

A stunning new development has emerged in the 27-year-old case of Amy Bradley. A private investigator revealed a $50,000 ransom deal was nearly secured for her return. The deal was arranged with an ex-police clerk from Curaçao who claimed he saw her alive.

This information adds a dramatic new layer to one of the most perplexing cruise ship disappearances. The revelation suggests she may have been alive a year after she vanished from the Rhapsody of the Seas.

The Failed Ransom Exchange

In 1999, the former clerk contacted the Bradley family. He stated he knew Amy’s location and had seen her multiple times. He demanded $50,000 in exchange for information leading to her recovery.

The family and authorities took the claim seriously. According to the investigator, Interpol drafted a formal contract for the exchange by June 2000. The deal was set to proceed on the island.

However, the exchange collapsed at the last moment. Interpol agents reportedly arrived with a cashier’s check instead of physical cash. The clerk refused the non-cash payment and the lead went cold.

Recent Investigative Breakthroughs

Private investigator Jim Carey tracked down the same clerk in October 2024. He repeatedly asked if Amy was still alive. The clerk consistently affirmed that she was.

This persistent claim, decades after her disappearance, fuels ongoing efforts. The FBI‘s investigation remains active with a $25,000 reward for information.

The case gained renewed public attention with a Netflix docuseries in July 2025. The series explored various theories but did not include this specific ransom detail.

What This Means for the Case

The ransom revelation shifts the investigation’s narrative significantly. It provides a credible account of Amy potentially surviving her initial disappearance. This was not a random accident but a possible abduction.

It also raises questions about why the 2000 deal was not successfully executed. The failure to secure her return at that time remains a painful mystery for the family.

Investigator Carey continues working with former legal professionals. They share intelligence with US authorities in hopes of resolving the case.

The Amy Bradley ransom evidence represents the most significant lead in years, suggesting the mystery may yet be solved.

Info at your fingertips

When did Amy Bradley disappear?

Amy Bradley vanished on March 24, 1998. She was last seen around 5:30 AM on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship balcony. The ship was docking in Curaçao at the time.

What was the $50,000 ransom deal?

An ex-police clerk from Curaçao demanded $50,000 in 1999 for information about Amy’s location. He claimed to have seen her alive multiple times after her disappearance.

Is the FBI still investigating?

Yes, the FBI investigation remains officially active. They continue to offer a $25,000 reward for information leading to Amy’s recovery.

What did the private investigator discover?

PI Jim Carey located the former clerk in 2024 who insisted Amy was still alive. This contradicts her being declared legally dead in 2010.

Was there a Netflix documentary?

Netflix released “Amy Bradley Is Missing” in July 2025. The docuseries explored the case but did not feature the specific ransom deal details.

What happens next in the investigation?

Investigators continue pursuing leads in the Caribbean region. They believe organized crime involvement may explain the long-term disappearance.