In the Wake of Tragedy: Pete and Tammy Sisson Reflect on Friends Lost in Caribbean Hijacking
“We never imagined goodbye would come like this.”
In a heartbreaking turn of events that has left families shattered and communities grieving, a dream vacation to the Caribbean turned into an unthinkable nightmare. For Pete and Tammy Sisson, what began as a time of celebration and rest quickly unraveled into a harrowing ordeal—one that ended in the tragic loss of close friends during a violent hijacking at sea.
Now safely home and grappling with the emotional toll of survival and grief, the Sissons are speaking out for the first time about what they endured, the people they loved, and the lives taken far too soon.
A Dream Cut Short
Pete and Tammy had joined a small group of lifelong friends on what was meant to be a relaxing chartered voyage through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The group—tight-knit, adventurous, and full of joy—had long talked about taking this trip, envisioning it as a time to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate their shared history.
But paradise turned to peril when, just days into their journey, their vessel was overtaken by armed hijackers. Details are still under investigation by authorities, but reports confirm the hijackers violently seized control of the boat, taking the passengers hostage and setting off a sequence of events that would forever change the lives of everyone involved.
“Nothing prepares you for something like this,” said Pete, his voice strained. “One moment we were looking at the stars and laughing together. The next, everything we knew was ripped apart.”
Lives Stolen, Legacies Remembered
Among the victims were two of the Sissons’ closest friends—individuals they described as the kind of people who lit up every room they walked into, who lived generously, and who cherished their families and friends above all else.
Tammy’s eyes filled with tears as she spoke. “We shared everything with them—birthdays, holidays, grief, laughter. They were more than friends. They were family. And they were taken from us in the most senseless, brutal way imaginable.”
Authorities have not yet released the full list of victims out of respect for the families, but the Sissons say they want the world to know these were good people. “They were joyful, kind, selfless,” Pete added. “They didn’t deserve this. No one does.”
Surviving the Unimaginable
While full details remain under wraps due to the ongoing investigation, the Sissons recounted moments of sheer terror, praying silently as they were held captive. Eventually, through a combination of quick thinking, sheer luck, and the intervention of maritime authorities, they were rescued. But survival has brought its own burdens—guilt, trauma, and the ache of knowing not everyone made it home.
“There’s this strange mix of gratitude and grief,” Tammy explained. “We’re thankful to be alive, of course—but every joy feels dimmed by the weight of who we lost.”
The Sissons have been working closely with investigators and offering full cooperation in the hope that justice will be served. But they’re also calling for changes to better protect travelers in international waters and improve maritime safety protocols.
“This shouldn’t happen—not to anyone,” Pete said. “If there’s anything we can do to keep another family from going through this, we’re going to do it.”
A Call for Remembrance, and for Change
As the couple begins the long, difficult road of healing, they are also committed to honoring the memories of those lost. Plans are underway for a memorial service, and they’ve begun working with the victims’ families on setting up a fund in their names to support causes the victims cared deeply about—environmental conservation, education, and family support services.
“They believed in living fully, in giving back,” said Tammy. “That’s what we want to carry forward now.”
The Sissons have received an outpouring of love and support from their community in the wake of the tragedy—neighbors dropping off meals, friends organizing vigils, and strangers sending messages of hope and strength.
“We don’t know how to thank everyone,” Pete said. “In the worst moment of our lives, we’ve seen the very best in people.”
Holding On and Moving Forward
In the quiet moments, Pete and Tammy admit they replay the trip in their minds—trying to remember the laughter before the terror, trying to hold on to the beautiful memories untainted by the violence that followed. It will take time, therapy, faith, and support to navigate this new reality. But they are determined to survive—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually—for themselves, and for the friends who can no longer speak for themselves.
“We owe it to them,” Tammy whispered. “To keep living, to tell their stories, and to love a little harder every day.”
Final Reflections
This tragedy has shaken many. But it has also reminded us of the fragility of life, the strength of community, and the extraordinary power of love in the face of loss.
As the investigation continues and the global community takes a hard look at the vulnerabilities that led to this tragedy, Pete and Tammy Sisson hope their friends will be remembered not for how they died—but for how they lived.
Full of laughter. Full of love. Full of life.
May their memories be a blessing. May justice be swift. And may their legacy endure.
