The devastated mother of Jay Slater, the 19-year-old British apprentice bricklayer who vanished in Tenerife, has revealed the harrowing details of their final phone conversation before his disappearance.
Debbie Duncan described how her son sounded disoriented and frightened during the call made in the early hours of Monday morning. "He said he was lost in the mountains, his phone was about to die, and he didn't know where he was," she recounted, her voice breaking with emotion.
Desperate Search Underway
Spanish authorities have launched an extensive search operation in the rugged terrain of the Canary Islands, where Jay was last known to be. The Guardia Civil has deployed helicopters, sniffer dogs and specialist mountain rescue teams to scour the area near the village of Masca.
Jay had been attending the NRG music festival with friends before his disappearance. According to his mother, he had left with two men he'd met at the event, but became separated from them before making his desperate call for help.
Family's Anguish
The Slater family has flown to Tenerife to assist with search efforts. "We're living every parent's worst nightmare," Debbie said. "Jay's a sensible lad who wouldn't just wander off. We just want him home safe."
Local residents have joined the search, with volunteers combing through ravines and steep hillsides in the challenging landscape. Temperatures in the area have been soaring above 30°C, adding to concerns about Jay's welfare.
Appeal for Information
British consular officials are working closely with Spanish authorities. The Foreign Office has urged any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward immediately.
Jay is described as 6ft tall with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with black shorts and black trainers. His family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover search costs, which has already raised thousands of pounds from concerned well-wishers.
As night falls on another day of searching, Jay's loved ones cling to hope that he will be found safe. "We won't stop looking," his mother vowed. "Please, if anyone knows anything, help us bring our boy home."
