Pawleys Island authorities search for missing 5-year-old girl

A large-scale, multi-agency search is underway in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, for five-year-old Sailor Hayes. The child, who is nonverbal, was reported missing from a rental home in the Hagley Community near Old Waccamaw Drive.

Authorities describe Hayes as approximately 3 feet 6 inches tall with blond hair and blue eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was reportedly wearing a light blue one-piece bathing suit and a pink-and-white lanyard around her ankle. Because she is nonverbal, the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office has advised the public to approach her calmly, speaking gently and slowly, and not to expect a verbal response.

The search operation involves deputies, K9 units, the Midway Fire Department, and the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol. Efforts include aerial drone searches conducted by county fire and sheriff’s office personnel, as well as searches of nearby waterways, shorelines, and docks. Officials are also utilizing Project Lifesaver, a tracking system designed to locate individuals who may wander away from caregivers.