Elizabeth Waddell: Search for American last seen on beach in Grenada
A search is ongoing for an American woman who disappeared during a vacation on the Caribbean island of Grenada.
Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, 44, of North Carolina, was reported missing on Wednesday after she was last seen near Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force.
A family friend said Waddell had appeared to go for a swim before she went missing and had left a towel on the pier.
Waddell had traveled to the island nation with a friend and was staying at the Hideaway Waterfront Apartments in the Grand Anse area, Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN) reported.
Grenadian police have appealed for information from fishermen, boat operators and residents along the island’s southern coastline who may have seen Waddell.
Police released a bulletin in which they described Waddell as being 5 feet, 5 inches tall and having short blond hair.
An extensive search involving police officers, divers and students from St. George’s University has been underway, according to GBN.
Newsweek contacted Waddell’s husband, Cailen Waddell, via Facebook; Grenada police via email; and the U.S. State Department via contact form on its website for comment on Monday outside regular working hours.
Missing Woman’s Family Pleads for Information
On Friday, Cailen Waddell wrote on Facebook that he was on his way to Grenada to help with the search for his wife.
“The police have been wonderful,” he told GBN. “The investigation is ongoing. They have been incredibly communicative and have done everything, it seems like, they could be doing to help find her.”
He described his wife as “a loving, free-spirited person” who “could make friends with anyone,” adding that she “often did.”
Friend Says Towel Was Left on Pier
Family friend Amanda Romano-Harmon said Waddell’s traveling companion was taking an online course at their Airbnb while Waddell went for a swim.
“She had her swimsuit on, and she went outside their Airbnb,” Romano-Harmon told WRAL. “They had a pool that overlooked the bay. Liz was set up out there just sightseeing from the pool, and her friend was taking her online course.”
When Waddell’s friend finished the course, she could no longer see Waddell and went looking for her, Romano-Harmon added.
“She saw her towel down on the pier,” she said. “So the only thing we can think is maybe she went for a swim.”
After several hours passed and Waddell, who did not have her phone with her, failed to return, her friend reported her missing.
Grenada police have asked anyone with information about Waddell’s whereabouts to contact South Saint George Police Station or the nearest police station.
The U.S. State Department told ABC News: “The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans. We are aware of reports of a missing American in Grenada. When Americans are missing abroad, the State Department can assist families and friends with filing missing persons reports and can help them understand local procedures. We would refer to local law enforcement in Grenada questions regarding any potential investigation. Due to privacy and other considerations, we have no further comment.”
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Tobias Meyjes and Shakeema Edwards.
