Overnight search intensifies for missing nonverbal child near Pawleys Island

Key points

• Sailor Hayes, a 5-year-old nonverbal girl, went missing from a home on Old Waccamaw Drive in the Hagley Community near Pawleys Island, SC.
• Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver confirmed that the search will continue overnight, involving deputies, K-9 units, and boats.
• The child was last seen wearing a one-piece light blue bathing suit and a pink-and-white lanyard around her ankle.
• Project Lifesaver tracking technology is being used, but no ping has been detected for the child so far.
• Divers from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources are expected to join the underwater search on Monday.
• Horry County divers searched approximately 200 yards of water near the family’s rental home on Sunday.

Background

This incident follows a series of high-profile missing persons cases involving children and families in water-related environments, such as the Muskegon River tubing incident in August 2026 and the disappearance of Liz Waddell in Grenada in July 2026. These prior cases highlight the ongoing challenges in search and rescue operations, particularly in areas with water hazards. The current search for Sailor Hayes is distinct in its focus on a nonverbal child in a coastal community, requiring specialized tracking technologies and community involvement.

Why it matters

The search for Sailor Hayes underscores the critical importance of community involvement and advanced tracking technologies in locating missing individuals, especially those with communication challenges. The deployment of Project Lifesaver and the coordination of multiple agencies, including local law enforcement and state natural resources departments, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to search and rescue. The incident also highlights the need for public awareness and cooperation, as neighbors and residents are actively participating in the search and reviewing security footage. This case serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children with nonverbal conditions and the importance of robust emergency response systems in coastal communities.

What to watch

The search will continue overnight with deputies, K-9 units, and boats. Divers from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources are expected to join the underwater search on Monday. The public is encouraged to review home security footage and report any sightings to 911. The sheriff’s office will continue to coordinate with multiple agencies and utilize Project Lifesaver technology to locate Sailor Hayes.