Married at First Sight Expert Robbed in St. Maarten: ‘Dragged Ten Meters’
Relatietherapeut Sarah Hertens, known to international audiences as an expert on the reality dating show Blind Getrouwd (Married at First Sight), was the victim of a violent robbery on the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten following a festival on Tuesday evening. Hertens, 50, reported being “dragged ten meters across the ground” during the attack, according to reports from Het Nieuwsblad and other Belgian news outlets.
A Brutal Encounter on Sint Maarten
The incident occurred after Hertens attended a festival on Sint Maarten, a Dutch constituent country in the Caribbean. Details remain sparse, but initial reports indicate a brazen assault. “They went about it very brutally, we were lucky,” Hertens stated, as reported by De Krantenkoppen. The extent of any stolen property or injuries beyond the reported dragging has not been publicly disclosed.
Beyond ‘Blind Getrouwd’: Hertens’s Career Trajectory
Even as Hertens gained wider recognition through her role as an expert on Blind Getrouwd, she has a well-established career as a clinical psychologist and relationship therapist in Belgium. Her practice focuses on both individual and couples therapy, with a stated goal of helping people build more meaningful relationships. According to her website, sarahhertens.com, she believes that relationship operate isn’t solely for those experiencing problems, but a proactive step towards strengthening connection. She offers both in-person and online sessions, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding the natural challenges inherent in long-term partnerships.
Hertens’s approach, as highlighted on her website, centers on providing “insights and useful tools” to navigate the complexities of love and commitment. She acknowledges that factors like children, work, and family life constantly require recalibration within a couple, and that seeking support is a normal part of maintaining a healthy dynamic. She also explores the idea that love is not a fixed science, but a fluid and often unpredictable force.
A World Voyage Interrupted?
The timing of this incident is particularly striking, given Hertens’s planned three-year world voyage with her partner, Roel. As reported by Headliner.nl, the couple intends to depart in late September 2025 aboard their catamaran, HeRo. They have been preparing for the journey, practicing in the Mediterranean Sea and anticipating a route that includes Gibraltar, Morocco, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia, and Fiji.
Hertens had previously put her practice “on hold” to embark on this adventure, viewing it not only as a personal dream but also as a unique opportunity to study the dynamics of a long-term relationship under the extreme conditions of life at sea. The couple’s catamaran is similar to the one featured in the television program “Over de oceaan” (Across the Ocean), though they will be sailing with a much smaller crew of just two.
Industry Reaction and Concerns
News of the attack has prompted concern within the Belgian entertainment industry and among fans of Blind Getrouwd. While official statements from the show’s production company, Woestijnvis, have not been widely reported, the incident underscores the vulnerability of public figures, even while traveling. The attack also raises questions about safety and security in Sint Maarten, a popular tourist destination.
What’s Next for Hertens and Her Voyage?
At this time, it remains unclear how this incident will impact Hertens’s travel plans. No updates have been released regarding any potential delays or changes to the scheduled departure in September. Given the traumatic nature of the event, it’s reasonable to expect that Hertens and Roel will necessitate to reassess their security protocols and potentially adjust their itinerary. The couple’s focus will likely be on their immediate well-being and ensuring their safety as they continue preparations for their ambitious journey. Further details regarding the investigation into the robbery and any potential impact on the voyage are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Hertens’s website remains active, and she continues to offer resources and insights into relationship dynamics, even as she prepares for this significant life change. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, even for those dedicated to helping others navigate its complexities.