Urgent Search Underway in Washington State for Three Missing Sisters After Visit With Father

Urgent Search Underway in Washington State for Three Missing Sisters After Visit With Father

Authorities in Washington State have launched an urgent search for three young sisters — ages 9, 8, and 5 — who disappeared after leaving their home for a court-ordered visitation with their father. The case has drawn growing concern from both law enforcement and the public, as officials work around the clock to locate the missing children and ensure their safety.

Last Seen During Custody Exchange

According to the Washington State Patrol and local police agencies, the three girls — whose names have not yet been publicly released to protect their identities — were last seen leaving their residence on the day of the scheduled visit. They were reportedly being transferred into the custody of their biological father, as outlined in a legal visitation agreement.

However, authorities say the children never returned home as expected, and communication with the father has since been severed. The family grew increasingly concerned after hours passed with no updates and eventually contacted police to report the children missing.

Descriptions and Amber Alert Status

As of now, the state has not yet issued an official Amber Alert, but law enforcement agencies are treating the case with the highest urgency, given the young ages of the children and the unusual nature of their disappearance.

Officials have released the following descriptions of the missing girls:

• A 9-year-old girl, described as having long brown hair and hazel eyes, approximately 4’6” tall and weighing around 65 pounds.
• An 8-year-old girl, with curly dark brown hair and brown eyes, approximately 4’3” tall and 60 pounds.
• A 5-year-old girl, with light brown hair, blue eyes, around 3’10” tall and 45 pounds.

Police say all three girls were last seen wearing summer clothes and may be traveling with their father in a dark-colored SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Explorer, though the vehicle has not been definitively identified.

Concerns of Custodial Interference

While details are still emerging, investigators are exploring the possibility that the father may be involved in custodial interference — a criminal offense under Washington law if a parent intentionally violates custody agreements to conceal or detain a child from the custodial guardian.

A spokesperson for the local police department emphasized that the father’s location is currently unknown, and authorities are working with multiple agencies, including the FBI and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), to trace digital footprints, monitor financial activity, and track potential vehicle sightings.

“At this time, we are treating this as a high-risk missing persons case,” the spokesperson said. “We are using every available resource to locate these girls and reunite them safely with their family.”

Family Pleads for Public’s Help

The girls’ mother and extended family members have spoken out through local media outlets, pleading with the public to remain vigilant and to report any sightings or information that could assist investigators.

“We are devastated and terrified,” the girls’ mother said in an emotional statement. “We just want our babies home. If anyone has seen anything — no matter how small — please come forward. We are begging for help.”

The family also expressed concern that the father may be attempting to flee the state or even the country with the children, adding urgency to the search effort.

How the Public Can Help

Authorities are asking residents across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and neighboring states to keep an eye out for the three girls and their father. Anyone with information is urged to contact:

• Washington State Patrol Missing Children’s Unit: 1-800-543-5678
• Local police department handling the case (contact details available through 911 or local non-emergency lines)
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

Photos of the girls have been circulated on social media platforms, digital billboards, and law enforcement bulletins, in hopes that someone might recognize them or the vehicle they are believed to be in.

A Race Against Time

This case highlights the emotional complexity and legal risks involved in custody disputes, especially when children are caught in the middle. It also reinforces the importance of quick reporting and community awareness in the early hours of a missing persons case — often referred to by experts as the “golden window” for recovery.

As the search continues, communities across Washington and neighboring states are watching closely and hoping for a safe and swift resolution. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as investigators follow leads and expand their search radius.