'Extensive' search for missing US woman, but whereabouts still a mystery

Police have so far used drones, their canine unit and divers in their search for missing American woman Taylor Casey, but up to yesterday had turned up nothing that pointed to her whereabouts, investigators reported to the media yesterday.

The update came not long after they met with her family at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on University Drive, New Providence.

Casey, 41, from Chicago, Illinois, traveled to The Bahamas to attend the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Center on Paradise Island.

Employees from the retreat reported her missing last Thursday after she failed to attend some classes, Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings said.

“They were having sessions and classes and when they didn’t see her show up, they became very, very concerned and alerted authorities immediately after they recognized that she did not show up for her class,” she said.

“Since that report was made, we have conducted an extensive investigation into the matter.

“This afternoon we updated the family of Taylor as to where we are in the investigation. We have a very good relationship and they are very pleased with the investigations thus far and we will continue to collaborate with them as the investigation continues into this matter.

“Let me say that our priority is to find Taylor and to find Taylor in good health.”

Skippings said Casey’s cellphone was found in the ocean, but her other belongings were still at the ashram.

Investigators questioned employees of the yoga retreat, Skippings noted, and added that police along with Casey’s relatives will visit the retreat today.

She was unable to say if police suspect foul play in the matter.

Casey’s family were let out of CID without speaking with reporters yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson, the officer in charge of the CID; Director General of Foreign Affairs Jerusa Ali and Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe and other officials were also in the meeting with the family and at the press conference that followed.

Casey’s mother, Colette Seymore, told CBS News yesterday that she heard from her daughter last Tuesday.

“That was the last time,” she said.

“Taylor sent me pictures of Taylor in the Atlantic ocean and said, ‘I miss you mom. Look, I’m at the beach.’”

Seymore said, “I miss Taylor. Taylor should not be missing as far as I’m concerned.”

The ashram where Taylor was is located on the western end of Paradise Island and is accessible by boat, but also directly by foot.

Police said they have not only searched that island, but have expanded their search beyond it.

The ashram, established in 1967, is known to be an idyllic place of peace where visitors can rejuvenate their minds, bodies and souls. It overlooks a picturesque beach that is often empty.

People come from around the world to deepen their knowledge of yoga, which is practiced throughout the day.

Visitors are able to rent rooms, but can also opt to stay on the property in tents.

Police could not confirm yesterday whether Casey had been staying in a tent or in one of the rooms, or how long she had been in The Bahamas at the time of her disappearance.