Summary (tl;dr)

Elizabeth Waddell, a 44-year-old woman from North Carolina, went missing on July 22, 2026, while vacationing in Grenada after she was last seen entering the water at Grand Anse Beach and did not return.

Essential Background

Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell, a physical therapist from Cary, North Carolina, was on a three-week vacation in Grenada with a friend. On July 22, 2026, Waddell reportedly went for a swim near Grand Anse Beach while her travel companion was completing an online course at their Airbnb. Upon finishing, her friend found only Waddell's towel on the pier, and with Waddell having left her phone and identification at their accommodation, concern escalated, leading to her being reported missing to authorities.

The Full Story

Surveillance footage released by Waddell's family shows her walking near the shoreline at 11:44 a.m. on July 22, 2026, before heading toward a nearby jetty and entering the water three minutes later, then swimming farther away and out of view shortly after 12:00 p.m. The Royal Grenada Police Force confirmed that Waddell was not seen on surveillance footage returning from the water. However, eyewitnesses later reported interacting with Waddell around 5:30 p.m. that same day, swimming in the open ocean further from shore. Her husband, Cailen Waddell, has traveled to Grenada to aid in the search efforts and stated he does not suspect foul play. An extensive land and sea search is being conducted by the Royal Grenada Police Force, who have appealed to local fishermen, boat operators, and residents for any information.

Why It Matters

The disappearance of an American tourist in a popular Caribbean destination has garnered significant international attention and concern, particularly as there are conflicting reports and no confirmed return from the water. The ongoing search highlights the dangers associated with swimming alone and the challenges in locating missing persons in open water. The family's plea for public assistance and the involvement of both local Grenadian authorities and the U.S. State Department underscore the seriousness and complexity of the case.

Geographic Location

• Grand Anse Beach, St. George's, Grenada (Elizabeth Waddell last seen entering the water and swimming)
• Cary, Wake County, North Carolina, United States (Elizabeth Waddell's residence)
• Grenada (Location of disappearance and ongoing search efforts)