Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell Credit: Photo courtesy of the Waddell family/ Photo: GoFundMe

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, 28 July, Police Commissioner Randy Connaught said the RGPF has been working closely with the United States Embassy in Grenada and has sought support from the FBI’s regional office as investigators continue efforts to determine what happened after Waddell was last seen swimming north of Grand Anse Beach on Wednesday, 22 July. “As part of our international cooperation, the FBI regional office has also been contacted,” Connaught said, adding that investigators are seeking assistance in developing “a better understanding of the background” of Waddell, who is a United States citizen.

Connaught said the force has also maintained contact with the principal officer of the US Embassy in Grenada, Cindy Diouf, as part of its ongoing coordination with local, regional and international partners.

Despite widespread speculation surrounding the case, the police commissioner underscored that investigators have “not reached or announced any final conclusion” and reiterated that “the matter continues to be treated as a missing person investigation.”

According to the commissioner, Waddell arrived in Grenada from Miami on 11 July with a female friend. After spending 10 days at a resort on the island’s west coast, the pair moved to accommodation in the south on 21 July.

CCTV footage reviewed by investigators shows Waddell entering the water near a jetty at 11:51 am and swimming beneath the structure at approximately 12:04 pm, but the recording does not show her leaving the water. Her companion was seen walking towards the jetty, then returning alone at 12:46 pm.

Her travelling companion reported her missing at 5:50 pm, triggering an immediate police response and extensive search operations.

Connaught said investigators have examined surveillance footage, interviewed witnesses, reconstructed Waddell’s movements and continue to analyse photographs, videos and other information received from the public. They are also investigating whether any person, vessel or vehicle was present in the area during the critical period.

The search has involved the Grenada Coast Guard, local dive professionals, the RGPF drone unit, the St George’s University Canine Unit and members of the wider community. Marine, underwater and shoreline searches have been conducted, while tides, currents and drift patterns have also been assessed by the Coast Guard.

The commissioner appealed to members of the public to continue sharing information with investigators, saying, “No information should be considered too minor.” He also urged the public and media to rely on the RGPF as the “official source of information” on the investigation.

Expressing sympathy for Waddell’s family, Connaught said police remain hopeful that she will be located. “It is our hope that Elizabeth will be found, and found alive and well,” he said.

The disappearance of Waddell has attracted widespread international media attention, with several major news outlets covering the case. ABC News reported that her husband, Cailen Waddell, wrote in a social media post that he “expects nothing less than Liz’s safe return” and asked supporters to send their “love, light, thoughts, and prayers.” He has since travelled to Grenada and is reportedly assisting with search efforts alongside local authorities.