Police find another Brit missing for hours while searching for Jay Slater in Tenerife
Spanish police have rescued a ‘tired and disoriented’ Scottish hiker amid their ongoing search for missing teenager Jay Slater.
As the search for Jay entered its second week, authorities focused their efforts on the mountainous region in Tenerife where he was last seen. During this extensive search in the desolate Asomada Canyon region on Friday, June 21, police found a 51-year-old Scottish hiker stuck in an area of difficult access.
The hiker’s disappearance was reported after he failed to return to his hike’s starting point. The search teams, already looking for 19-year-old Jay Slater, were also alerted to keep an eye out for the missing hiker.
Authorities detailed the rescue, explaining that the hiker was found exhausted and disoriented. “Tired and disoriented, he was located by the agents and the rescue team who helped him get out of the ravine,” the police statement said.
Local residents had noticed the hiker entering the challenging terrain early in the morning and raised the alarm when he did not return hours later. Their alert proved crucial as the police, already engaged in searching for Jay, were able to find and assist the hiker.
“We want to thank the local residents who alerted us to this situation because the difficulty of the terrain and lack of phone cover in the area meant this hiker would not have been able to get out alone and without the help he received,” a police spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, the search for Jay Slater continues without any significant breakthroughs. His mobile phone last pinged at a cell tower in the National Park of Teno region. Jay had traveled to Tenerife with friends to attend the New Rave Generation (NRG) festival. He then decided to travel with two men he had just met to an Airbnb in the remote north-western area of the island late on Sunday night.
On Monday morning, June 17, Jay spoke to his friend Lucy Law, telling her he ‘didn’t know where he was,’ needed a drink, and had cut his leg on a cactus. Since then, despite CCTV sightings and witness reports of him walking in the area, police have been unable to locate him.
Jay’s family, including his mother Debbie Duncan, have flown to Tenerife to join the search. Debbie has expressed her frustration and disappointment over negative comments on social media regarding their efforts, particularly criticisms of their decision to set up a GoFundMe page.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Debbie wrote, “I am really saddened by all your comments. You seem to be so bothered about this GoFundMe page. I really hope I am not taking my son home in a body bag. I really cannot believe the British public are not supporting me in trying to find Jay. This may happen to any of you one day. Very let down by you all.”
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The rescue of the Scottish hiker highlights the challenging terrain and the difficulties faced by search teams, but the search for Jay Slater remains a priority as authorities and his family continue to hope for his safe return.
