Search underway for missing American woman in Grenada
The 44-year-old North Carolina woman was last seen on Wednesday, July 22.
Authorities are searching for a missing 44-year-old American woman who was last seen on a beach in Grenada on Wednesday, July 22, according to a Royal Grenada Police Force press release.
The North Carolina woman, Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell, disappeared after going for a swim at Grand Anse Beach on the southern coast of the island, according to her family.
"I expect nothing less than Liz's safe return -- so please [send] your love, light, thoughts, and prayers our way," Waddell's husband, Cailen Waddell, wrote on social media.
Waddell was touring the island on a getaway with her friend and had been there for a little over a week, Amanda Romano-Harmon, Waddell's family friend, said in an interview with "Good Morning America."
Waddell left her towel on the pier, seemingly having gone in the water for a swim, Romano-Harmon said.
"She's an amazing person, and we want to bring her home," Romano-Harmon said.
Waddell is a loving, free-spirited person who could make friends with anyone and was always willing to help someone, Cailen Waddell said in an interview with Grenada Broadcasting Network.
Cailen Waddell is now on the ground in Grenada to assist with search efforts, according to ABC News' central North Carolina affiliate WTVD.
Royal Grenada Police are seeking assistance from the public in locating Waddell. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact South Saint Georges Police Station, the Criminal Investigation Department, Police Emergency or the nearest local police station.
Authorities specifically urged fishermen, boat operators and residents along the southern coastline to report any sightings or relevant information that may assist in locating Waddell.
Police have not released further details about the circumstances that led to Waddell's disappearance.
Waddell is described in the police press release as 5 feet 5 inches tall with short blonde hair and a medium build.
"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," the U.S. State Department said in a statement to ABC News.
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, the State Department statement said.
"She'll see kids playing in the park as she's walking or exercising or whatever, and she'll start kicking the ball with them," Romano-Harmon said. "Everybody's a friend for Liz."
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