Latest news with #AmyBradleyisMissing
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Unsolved at sea: ‘Amy Bradley Is Missing' revisits one of the most puzzling cruise disappearances
'Amy Bradley is Missing' tells the story of the 23-year-old who vanished from a cruise ship while on holiday with her family. Image: X What was meant to be a fun-filled family vacation turned into a nightmare for a family who, almost three decades later, are still frantically searching for their beloved daughter. It all started in 1998 when 23-year-old Amy Lynn Bradley went on a cruise to the Caribbean island of Curaçao aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas with her family. The American youngster, who recently graduated from college at the time and was accompanied by her parents, Ron and Iva Bradley, and her younger brother, Brad Bradley, spent the first few days enjoying the festivities. They had feasts, made incredible memories as they partied it up. But two nights into the trip, just as they were about to disembark onto the island, Amy vanished into thin air. According to loved ones and passengers, she was last seen in the early hours of March 21, 1998, dancing at the ship's nightclub. Amy then returned to the room she shared with her family and spent some time chatting with her brother on the balcony of her cabin. Brad then decided to go to bed, leaving Amy alone outside, and by the time her father went to check on her, she had vanished, leaving no trace but a polo shirt and a pair of sandals. Every nook and cranny of the 10-floor cruise line, which was one of the biggest during the late 90s, was allegedly searched, but still, Amy could not be located. Despite an FBI investigation and her family's exhaustive efforts, which continue 27 years later, Amy has never been found. Her chilling disappearance forms part of the riveting new documentary called 'Amy Bradley Is Missing.' The three-part Netflix show, directed and executive produced by Ari Mark and Phil Lott, revisits this harrowing ordeal and the decades-long investigative effort it sparked. It also explores the various leads and purported sightings over the years that have troubled her family's ongoing quest for answers. What I found fascinating about this series was how it provided informative and educational insights on this poignant case in a way which kept me intrigued to find out more. I started watching it with no knowledge of Amy or her disappearance, but after I was done binge-watching the documentary, it sparked such a curiosity within me that I am now reading up on the matter. It is also impressive how the film-makers managed to compress such a large amount of information into just a few easy-to-watch episodes. This must have been a challenging ordeal, considering that the incident took place almost 30 years ago. Accessing this information, as well as finding experts who can vividly recall the matter and help to place it back in the spotlight in a refreshed bid to find Amy, is an admirable but strenuous task. And those who were interviewed on 'Amy Bradley Is Missing', including eyewitnesses who were aboard the cruise ship as well as FBI investigators, did a stellar job on shedding light on an incident which took place such a long time ago. The testimony from cruise director Kirk Detweiler was particularly insightful as he vividly recalled the events during that time and brought them to life in a vibrant yet eerie manner. The interviews from cruise safety officials were also notable, as they raised questions about how passengers travelling through international waters are subject to the law of whichever country they are passing through. Even more startling was how they delved into cruise lines' often unverified hiring practices, which means that those onboard a ship could be in the company of questionable characters. 'Amy Bradley Is Missing' also presents all evidence to viewers, allowing them to draw their own conclusions. Some version of events which were unpacked included if she committed suicide by jumping off the boat. But many of the series argued that she was a confident and happy person who was about to start a new chapter in her life. In addition, another potential incidence of apparent foul play was also explored. Amy Bradley's mother Iva Bradley is featured on the documentary. Image: X However, the most powerful aspect of the documentary was the testimony from Amy's parents and her brother. The close-knit group detailed how they have continued their search for Amy, ever since that fateful morning she vanished. They reflected on the heartbreak of losing her and how, after all these decades, they are still emotionally torn about the incident which caused them so much trauma that they were unable to eat or sleep. Their heartfelt pleas for any information which could locate Amy's whereabouts left a lasting impression on me, and their unwavering quest to find her remains as strong as it was when she first disappeared. I rate this 3 out of 5 stars.
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix's Amy Bradley is Missing and the heartbreaking reason the FBI couldn't act on sex worker photo
The FBI were unable to investigate the 'photo of Amy Bradley' found on a sex worker website despite its striking resemblance to her and her family's desperate plea for action Netflix's latest true-crime documentary Amy Bradley is Missing has been a massive hit with viewers since its release on July 16, quickly rising to second place in the UK's top TV show charts on the streaming platform. The three-part docu-series explores the chilling and unresolved disappearance of 23-year-old Amy Bradley, who vanished while on a Caribbean cruise with her family in 1998. Amy was traveling on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship with her parents, Ron and Iva and her brother, Brad, when she went missing en route to Curaçao. She was last seen in the early hours of March 23 1998, resting on the balcony of the family's cabin. When her dad checked on her shortly after sunrise, she was gone - and has never been found. Now, 27 years later, Netflix revisits the mysterious circumstances surrounding her disappearance and the persistent efforts by her family to uncover the truth. The documentary summarises all the major theories that have emerged over the decades, including the most haunting one: that Amy was abducted and trafficked. One of the most significant revelations in the docuseries centres around a photograph discovered in 2005 on a sex worker's website thought to be based out of the Caribbean. The image bears a striking resemblance to Amy, so much so that her family took the discovery public and appeared on the Dr. Phil show in a desperate bid to find their daughter. "All I could keep thinking is, 'Is that my daughter?'" Amy's mother Iva says in the documentary. "We all looked at it - the nose, the chin, and the hair - it took my breath away." The FBI took then took the lead on analysing the image. An agent close to the case was interviewed in the series, and confirmed that forensic analysts had determined that it could very well be Amy. Investigators examined everything from the woman's pose, which was a specific stance that would have hidden all of Amy's identifiable tattoos - like a Gecko lizard on her navel, or sun on her lower back - to the bed frame in the image in an effort to track its origin. Speaking about the photo found on the sex worker site, co-director of the docuseries, Ari Mark told The Hollywood Reporter: "That part really made us scratch our heads, too." He went on to add that it is 'hard to ignore is how seriously the FBI took that photo.' Mark adds: "They really did chase that down. They analysed the bed frame, tried to figure out where it was made. They sent an operative down there to actually scope it out. And they did look into that website, and they brought in that trafficking expert - it's hard to ignore." However, despite the extensive investigation, authorities were unable to trace the photo's origins or determine where it was taken, as the website's IP address could not be located. The director went on to claim that "from the FBI standpoint, they've exhausted everything." In 2010, Amy was declared legally dead in absentia. Yet, her case remains open, and the FBI continues to maintain a missing persons page with age-progressed images of what Amy might look like today. The page also states that a $25,000 reward is offered for information leading to her discovery, with the FBI still looking for tips from the public.
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix's Amy Bradley documentary is missing one major detail as brother breaks silence on show
Netflix documentary Amy Bradley is Missing follows the mysterious disappearance of the 23-year-old who vanished while on a cruise ship with her family but the show 'left out quite a lot of information' according to Amy's brother. Netflix's latest documentary Amy Bradley is Missing has been a huge hit with viewers since it's release on July 16 with the three part docuseries sitting in second place in the top UK TV show charts on the streaming platform. The show follows the story of 23-year-old Amy Bradley who disappeared while onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship with her parents and brother in 1998. Her disappearance remains a complete mystery as a body has never been found in the 27 years she has been missing. Her brother, Brad has since broken his silence on the documentary that dropped on the streaming platform earlier this month. Brad, who was 21 when Amy disappeared, was the final person to see Amy in the flesh and have a conversation with her. In the hours before she vanished, the siblings had sat outside on their family cabin's balcony after a night of partying at the ship's nightclub. Amy had chosen to stay up on the balcony after Brad went to bed and she was never seen by her family again. Sharing his thoughts on the Netflix show, Brad said that his family 'supported' the documentary and praised the producers for doing an 'awesome' job. Amy's heartbroken parents, Ron and Iva Bradley, both starred in the documentary alongside Brad. A handful of Amy's childhood friends also appeared on the programme, sharing their memories of Amy and recounting the aftermath of her disappearance. Despite Brad's praise for the three part show, he did issue one complaint, stating that the documentary 'was not a complete account and left out quite a bit of information'. In a post on X, he wrote: 'Yes, we support it, but it was not a complete account and left out quite a bit of information. 'It would have required 10 seasons to tell it all, but we thought the producers did an awesome job overall and are happy with the response so far." In a follow-up post, he wrote 'For 27 years, my family has searched for Amy. We will not stop. 'The Netflix docuseries Amy Bradley is Missing is shining a light on her story and we need your help to follow leads and find answers.' He shared a Gofundme to 'raise funds to pursue credible leads, consult with experts, obtain legal support if needed, and travel wherever necessary to uncover the truth' behind Amy's whereabouts. Viewers discussing the show on Reddit believe they have worked out the major left out detail which Brad is referring to. A subreddit titled r/TrueCrimeDiscussion which discussed the documentary was filled with positive remarks. However, one popular comment on it read: 'I disagree about the doc being fantastic. A good documentary would look at all scenarios. These guys obviously had a favourite narrative to sell.' This led to another user chiming in: 'Yep and tons left out (like the PI scamming them- which points to the family looking desperate for any answer).' Someone else agreed: 'Yes! I couldn't believe they left such a big piece out!' These comments are referring to Frank Jones, a man who claimed to be a former U.S Navy Seal in an email to the Bradley family in 1999. He also lied that he had a team of ex-Navy Seals and ex-Army Rangers at his disposal who could help him locate Amy. It came after rumours that Amy had been trafficked to Curaçao by Columbian mercenaries. The family understandably jumped at the opportunity for someone to take a team to the Caribbean and search for her while the FBI were making little progress with her disappearance. Jones unfortunately turned out to be a fraud, collecting regular payments from the Bradley family and insisting that he needed more funds to surveil the island and keep tabs on her. He told the Bradley's he had men who had seen her regularly, even going as far to send a fake photograph to them, claiming he was set to carry out an 'operation' to save Amy and that they should await his call. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. One of Jones' guys who he had been paying to watch a random house in Curaçao overheard the phone call and informed the Bradley family, who had been waiting for a phone call to tell them that their daughter was alive and was coming home safe. Jones took over $24,444 of the Bradley's personal savings and $186,416 from a fund set up by a nonprofit called the Nation's Missing Children Organization. He was found guilty of mail fraud in 2002 and was sentenced to prison for five years with an order to repay the money. Amy's father Ron previously opened up about the scam, saying: 'If there's a chance — I mean, what else do you do? If it was your child, what would you do? So I guess we took a chance. And I guess we lost.'
Extra.ie
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Shocking true crime doc leaves Netflix viewers 'infuriated'
Netflix's latest bewildering true crime documentary premiered on Wednesday and viewers are already talking about it. 'Amy Bradley is Missing' explores the mystery of the disappearance of a young woman following a family cruise in the late 1990s. Amy was travelling with her parents and brother on the Rhapsody of the Seas in March 1998 on a journey to the Caribbean island of Curaçao. Amy Bradley was 23 when she vanished. Pic: Netflix However, after only a few short days on the water, Amy vanished following a night at the ship's nightclub and was never found. Extensive searches and an FBI investigation proved fruitless and now viewers can explore her final moments, new information and possible sightings in this three-part Netflix documentary. At the time, officials were led to believe that the 23-year-old likely either jumped or fell overboard upon returning to her cabin after the full search of the ship revealed nothing. Amy Bradley (right) and her father Ron. Pic: Netflix However, her body was never found and over the past nearly thirty years, multiple people have reported seeing Amy alive in Curaçao with another alleged sighting on the nearby island of Aruba. The documentary delves deeper into strange evidence that Amy could have been trafficked off the ship and potentially with the help of one of the boat's entertainment staff. Amy was last seen on the balcony of her family's cabin in the early hours of the morning and her loved ones have never given up hope that they could see her again. Amy Bradley (right) with her friend Sarah Luck. Pic: Netflix Despite only releasing on Netflix on Wednesday, viewers have already taken to social media to share their thoughts and theories on the case. One X user wrote: 'The cruise director takes every opportunity to be a callous pr*** and expects people to think he's not gonna put profit over the truth? You won't convince me he doesn't know what happened and helped cover it up.' Amy Bradley (left) and her brother Brad. Pic: Netflix Another added: 'Watched @netflix Amy Bradley is Missing, and I am infuriated by @FBI and how they failed Amy. How do you have 4 witnesses who saw Amy in a specific region and still do nothing waiting for Amy to knock on your office door!' A third remarked: 'Watching Amy Bradley is missing on @netflix. It's gripping.' Director and executive producer Ari Mark opened up about speaking to the Bradley family for the episodes, saying that most people in the series have not been interviewed but they have. 'Amy Bradley is Missing' explores the mystery of the disappearance of a young woman following a family cruise in the late 1990s. Pic: Netflix He told Netflix: 'It's one thing to talk about the void of Amy, and it's another thing to experience it. 'This is a family who really deeply believes in what they're saying, and what they're saying is, 'She's out there, we're going to find her, and we're ready.''
Metro
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Netflix viewers 'infuriated' over gripping new true crime documentary
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A new true crime documentary has landed on Netflix, leaving viewers both 'gripped' and 'infuriated'. Amy Bradley is Missing premiered on the streaming service today, and follows the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Amy Bradley following a family cruise in the late 90s. The 23-year-old was traveled on the Rhapsody of the Seas in March 1998, along with parents Ron and Iva, and her brother Brad – however, just a few days into their journey to Curaçao, she vanished after returning to her cabin following a night at the ship's nightclub. Despite an extensive search and an FBI investigation, she was never found, with the new three-part documentary exploring her final moments as well as new information surfacing over the years, and possible sightings. While the true crime program has only just arrived on Netflix, viewers have devoured the episodes already, flocking to social media to share their thoughts on the case so far. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Reddit user AngryMango9 posted: 'I'm halfway through and incredibly impressed. Her parents are breaking my heart. That's unconditional love right there. I pray they get answers.' Over on Twitter, Tiffanymariexox commented: 'Amy Bradley is Missing on Netflix is f**king sad….' Cole agreed: 'Watching Amy Bradley is missing on @netflix. It's gripping.' Shocked by the footage, Julishwa wrote: 'Watched @netflix Amy Bradley is Missing, and I am infuriated by @FBI and how they failed Amy. 'How do you have 4 witnesses who saw Amy in a specific region and still do nothing waiting for Amy to knock on your office door! even putting witnesses on lie detector test.' 'There's a must-see true crime documentary that's on Netflix this week,' Dan added. 'Honestly, I've never seen a true crime series that lacks evidence but can be so compelling at the same time.' Amy was last seen on the balcony of her family's cabin in the very early hours of the morning, after returning from the nightclub on board. When her family went to check on her in the morning, there was no trace of her – they raised the alarm on board but she was never found. Over the years, there have been countless reported sightings and extensive searches and, while there are no confirmed details, her loved ones have never given up hope that she could eventually return. Director and executive producer Ari Mark opened up about speaking to them for the episodes, telling Netflix's Tudum: 'Most of the people [in the series] have never been interviewed. The only people who've been interviewed have been the Bradleys. 'It's one thing to talk about the void of Amy, and it's another thing to experience it. 'This is a family who really deeply believes in what they're saying, and what they're saying is, 'She's out there, we're going to find her, and we're ready.'' 'On March 23, 1998, 23-year-old Amy Bradley disappears without a trace from the cruise ship she and her family were vacationing on,' the official synopsis reads. 'Despite thorough searches of the ship, Amy is nowhere to be found and the cruise has already docked in their next port, Curaçao, opening the door for 2400 passengers to explore the island and allowing Amy to potentially disappear into the crowd. 'Hours later, Amy is still nowhere to be found and fear sets in that Amy may have fallen overboard before port. But a body is never discovered. The search for Amy expands as the FBI and local authorities launch an investigation where everyone becomes a potential suspect.' More Trending The three-part series 'delves into this cold case decades in the making as the search for Amy continues. 'As the years pass by, possible sightings of Amy pop up in various locations from multiple people. Is it really her? Was this a tragic accident or a crime? – anything is possible. But for Amy's family – only one thing matters: bringing their daughter home alive.' Amy Bradley Is Missing is available to stream on Netflix now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Ragtag Zohran Mamdani protest likened to Netflix comedy sketch MORE: Stranger Things season 5 releases first trailer and fans are already 'horrified' MORE: 'Compelling' mystery thriller soars up Netflix chart as fans binge all 6 episodes
