Daijiworld Media Network – St George's
St George's, Jul 27: Authorities in Grenada have launched an extensive search for a 44-year-old American tourist who went missing while swimming at the popular Grand Anse Beach, prompting an appeal from her family for public assistance.
Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell of Cary, North Carolina, was last seen on Wednesday at Grand Anse Beach in St. George's, Grenada's capital, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force, which issued a missing person alert on Thursday.
Police have appealed to fishermen, boat operators and residents along the island's southern coastline to report any information about Waddell's whereabouts. She is described as being of medium build with short blonde hair.
A spokesperson for the US State Department confirmed that it is aware of reports regarding Waddell's disappearance.
Waddell's husband, Cailen Waddell, appealed for support through a social media post as he travelled to Grenada to join the search.
"Liz went missing in the afternoon on Wednesday. I am on my way there now to help search. I expect nothing less than Liz's safe return — so please send your love, light, thoughts and prayers our way," he wrote.
Waddell, the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy, had travelled to Grenada with a friend. The two were staying at an Airbnb property near Grand Anse Beach.
According to family spokesperson Amanda Romano-Harmon, Waddell left the accommodation wearing a swimsuit and carrying a towel while her friend remained inside attending an online class.
After finishing the class, the friend noticed Waddell was no longer visible on the beach and went looking for her. Although she did not find Waddell, she discovered her towel on a nearby pier.
Romano-Harmon said Waddell had left her mobile phone and identification documents at the Airbnb before heading to the beach. When she failed to return after several hours, her friend informed Waddell's husband and reported her missing to the police.
She said local authorities responded immediately and launched an extensive search operation.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby bar and grill, which reportedly showed Waddell on the pier before she entered the water sometime between noon and 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
"The footage showed her swimming and floating in the water before she drifted out of the camera's field of view," Romano-Harmon said.
She described the disappearance as baffling, noting that despite several days of search operations involving the Coast Guard and divers, no trace of Waddell has been found.
Romano-Harmon, who has known Waddell for nearly 25 years, described her as an experienced traveller and a warm, outgoing person who enjoyed meeting people.
Waddell's husband, adult daughter, twin sister and several friends have since travelled to Grenada to assist in the search.
Anyone with information about Waddell's whereabouts has been urged to contact the South Saint George Police Station.