CNN Visits Aruba Beach Where Missing American Student Was Last Seen — Here’s What We Saw
June 6, 2025 – Oranjestad, Aruba — The turquoise waters of Aruba’s northern coast shimmered under the morning sun as CNN arrived at the beach where missing American student Emily Harper was last seen nearly two weeks ago. The serene setting stood in stark contrast to the growing concern surrounding the 21-year-old’s mysterious disappearance, which has gripped both the island and international headlines.
Harper, a senior at the University of Georgia, had been vacationing with friends during a post-graduation trip. According to witnesses and local authorities, she was last spotted around 7:30 p.m. on May 23 near Hadicurari Beach, a popular yet sparsely patrolled stretch of sand known for its sunset views and kite surfing.
CNN crews walked the beach Thursday morning, retracing Emily’s final known steps. The area, normally bustling with tourists and beachgoers, was eerily quiet. A single flower bouquet and a photo of Emily marked the sand where friends believe she sat watching the sunset that evening.
Local police and search teams have scoured the area extensively, aided by American FBI agents and cadaver dogs flown in late last week. Authorities confirmed that Harper’s phone last pinged a nearby cell tower at 7:41 p.m., minutes after she was seen speaking briefly with a local vendor. Since then, there’s been no trace.
Residents have described a tense, somber atmosphere on the island. “People are worried, said Rosa de Kort, a local shop owner. “We want answers. We want her found.
CNN was granted limited access to search areas just inland from the beach, where officers continue combing the scrubby terrain for any sign of Emily. Divers have also been deployed to examine reefs and nearby coves.
The case has drawn comparisons to the 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway, another American student who vanished under mysterious circumstances in Aruba. But investigators stress they are following a different timeline and have not drawn direct links.
Emily’s parents, who arrived on the island the day after her disappearance, continue to plead for information. “We believe someone saw something,” her mother, Linda Harper, said in a statement. “Please, if you know anything — no matter how small — come forward.”
A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Emily’s whereabouts.
As the investigation intensifies, the beach where Emily Harper spent her last known moments remains a haunting scene — beautiful yet burdened with silence. CNN will continue to monitor developments closely.
Reported by CNN’s field team in Aruba. Additional reporting by Jennifer Lin and Tom Reyes.
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