Praise for searchers after missing woman found in country lane

Thursday 30 July 2020

Police have shared their thanks with all involved in the four-day search for a 65-year-old islander, after she was found "weak and dehydrated" in St. Martin by a member of the public this morning.

Elizabeth McDougall went missing on Sunday 17:00 on Sunday (26 July) when she was dropped off at at Cedar Ward, a St. Saviour mental health facility where she is a resident, after a weekend at home.

However, when Mrs McDougall did not return to the ward, mental health staff raised the alarm.

A four-day search involving six authorities ensued, which included an early hours air search using infrared technology and the lowering of a reservoir in Queen's Valley by Jersey Water. Nearly 2,000 islanders also joined a Facebook group aiming to coordinate search efforts.

Amid extreme concerns for her safety, Mrs McDougall was fortunately discovered by a member of the public on a country lane near the St. Saviour mental health estate this morning.

"Liz was located this morning at approx. 07:20 by a member of the public by Rue St Julien in St Saviour. She was weak and dehydrated but talking when the Ambulance crew arrived. She was taken to the General Hospital shortly after where she is currently being treated," a Police spokesperson said.

Pictured: Rue Saint Julien, where Mrs McDougall was found.

The Force have since praised all those involved in the search, with the spokesperson adding: "Police would like to thank the community who were involved in the search for Liz, our Honorary colleagues, Jersey Fire and Rescue, Jersey Search and Rescue, Channel Island Air Search, Jersey Water and all those who took the time to look for Liz and those who utilised social media to help spread the word."

Members of the 1,900-plus Facebook group set up to help find Mrs McDougall celebrated the news this morning.

Mrs McDougall's son Joe, who helped set up the group, praised the authorities and islanders involved in the search in a post this morning.

"THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO GOT INVOLVED SEARCHING AND NEVER GAVE UP HOPE," he wrote.