New Evidence Suggests Amy Bradley is Alive and Was Trafficked 27 Years Ago

New evidence has emerged in one of cruising’s most enduring mysteries. Private investigator Jim Carey stated on November 14 that Amy Bradley, who vanished from a Royal Caribbean ship in 1998, is alive. He claims she was a victim of human trafficking.

The 23-year-old disappeared from the Rhapsody of the Seas on March 24, 1998. For over two decades, the official theory was that she fell overboard. Carey’s investigation, however, points to a coordinated abduction.

The Puzzling Disappearance and a Failed Ransom

Amy was last seen by her father in the early hours. He noted her sleeping on their cabin’s balcony. She was gone just minutes later as the ship sailed toward Curaçao.

According to Carey, a musician in the ship’s band was involved. He believes this person acted as a handler. The goal was to traffic Amy off the vessel during a port stop.

The case took a bizarre turn in 1999. A former police clerk, Herman Goilo, approached the family. He demanded $50,000 to reveal Amy’s location. The family agreed, and Interpol assisted in preparing a cashier’s check for the exchange.

Goilo never showed up to collect the money. Carey confronted him again in October 2024. Goilo then stated Amy was alive but “a very different woman.” He claimed she was hooked on drugs and with a dangerous man.

Digital Footprints and a Persistent Investigation

Carey’s team uncovered strange digital clues. The official “Amy Bradley is Missing” website receives annual visits from an IP address in Barbados. The login occurs around the anniversary of her disappearance.

This pattern stopped after a Netflix documentary aired. Carey believes the show revealed their monitoring technique. This tipped off whoever was accessing the site.

Other sightings have been reported over the years. A tourist in Barbados once claimed a distressed woman whispered, “My name is Amy. I’m from Virginia.” Photographs from a Caribbean escort site in 2005 also showed a striking resemblance.

The FBI continues to offer a $25,000 reward for information. Carey works the case pro bono with his son. A former state attorney assists in sharing intelligence with law enforcement.

The Amy Bradley case remains heartbreakingly open. New leads suggest a trafficking nightmare, not a tragic accident. The search for answers continues 27 years later.

Thought you’d like to know

When did Amy Bradley go missing?

Amy Bradley vanished on March 24, 1998. She was 23 years old at the time. The disappearance occurred aboard the Royal Caribbean ship Rhapsody of the Seas.

What is the new evidence in the case?

Private investigator Jim Carey cites a failed ransom deal and witness statements. A former police clerk claimed to know her location as recently as 2016. Annual website logins from Barbados also raised suspicions.

Does the FBI think Amy Bradley is alive?

The FBI’s official position is that she is missing. However, they maintain an active $25,000 reward for information. The reward is for her recovery, indicating they haven’t ruled out her survival.

What was the ransom deal about?

In 1999, a man demanded $50,000 to reveal Amy’s whereabouts. The family agreed to pay with Interpol’s assistance. The man, Herman Goilo, never appeared to collect the money.

Is there a documentary about Amy Bradley?

Yes, a documentary titled “Amy Bradley Is Missing” is available on Netflix. It covers the original investigation and recent developments. Investigators note it may have inadvertently compromised a lead.