Search for Missing American Tourist in Grenada

Elizabeth Waddell, a 44-year-old woman from Cary, North Carolina, has been reported missing during her vacation in Grenada. Her disappearance was last noted at Grand Anse Beach on Wednesday, as per a missing person alert by the Royal Grenada Police Force issued on Thursday.

Waddell was staying at Grand Anse, a well-known tourist location famous for its stunning white sand and vibrant turquoise waters in St. George, Grenada’s capital. The police have urged fishermen, boat operators, and residents along the southern coastline to report any sightings of her. She is described as medium build, standing 5-foot-5 inches tall, with short blond hair.

The U.S. State Department has acknowledged reports of Waddell’s disappearance in Grenada. In a heartfelt appeal, her husband, Cailen Waddell, used Facebook to seek public assistance: “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.

NBC News has contacted the family’s spokesperson for further updates. The South Saint George Police Station has asked anyone with information about Waddell’s whereabouts to reach out to them.

Waddell is known as the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy. She was vacationing with a friend, staying at an Airbnb, when she went for a swim but did not return. According to Amanda Romano-Harmon, a longtime friend of Waddell’s, Waddell’s husband was informed that she was missing by her friend, as he was at home working. The friend raised the alarm after several hours without seeing Waddell, who had gone swimming without carrying her phone or any personal items. A missing persons report was promptly filed.

On the day of her disappearance, Waddell’s friend was taking an online course at their Airbnb. Waddell stepped outside, dressed in a swimsuit, to relax by the pool that offered views of the bay. After completing her course, the friend noticed Waddell was absent and found her towel left on the pier, leading them to believe she might have gone for a swim.

“She had her swimsuit on, and she went outside their Airbnb,” Romano-Harmon said. “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 she got through with her course, she looked up and she didn’t see Liz outside, so she went outside to walk around and see where she went, and she saw her towel down on the pier. So the only thing we can think is maybe she went for a swim.”

Romano-Harmon recalled Waddell as an adventurous person who cherished travel, hiking, and meeting new people.