A desperate international search has been launched for a young British tourist who vanished without a trace during a holiday to Spain's Costa del Sol.
Jay Slater, 19, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was last seen in the early hours of Monday morning after attending a music festival on the island of Tenerife. His disappearance has sparked a massive land search involving mountain rescue units, helicopters, and sniffer dogs.
Last Known Sighting and Plea for Help
The teenager was last spotted walking alone near the rural village of Masca in the Teno Mountains, a rugged and remote area in the northwest of the island. His last known communication was a frantic phone call to a friend around 8:15 AM on Monday, in which he stated he was "lost in the mountains, with no water, and his phone was on 1% battery."
He had reportedly left a holiday rental to begin a long walk back to his accommodation after missing a bus, a journey that would have taken approximately 11 hours on foot.
Family's Agonising Wait
Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, has flown to Tenerife to aid in the search, describing the situation as a "living nightmare." In a heartfelt appeal, she said, "We are just desperate for any information. He is a 19-year-old boy away with his friends, he should be safe and enjoying himself. We need him home."
Friends and family have taken to social media to spread awareness, sharing his photo and details in the hope someone may have seen him.
Ongoing Search Efforts
Spanish authorities confirmed that the Guardia Civil is leading the operation, focusing its efforts on the challenging terrain around the Masca Gorge. A spokesman stated, "The search is ongoing and we are using all resources at our disposal."
Local reports indicate that the search has been complicated by the difficult landscape, with high temperatures during the day and a significant drop at night.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Guardia Civil or the British Foreign Office immediately.
