The father of missing British teenager Jay Slater, who vanished in Tenerife, describes the ongoing search as “a living hell.” Warren Slater expressed his desperation, saying, “I just want him found,” while speaking to reporters in Santiago del Teide, located approximately four miles from the primary search area.
Jay Slater, 19, has been missing for over a he week. His last known contact was a phone call to a friend on the island, during which he stated he was lost, low on battery, and in need of water. His phone was last traced near a mountain track, prompting police to focus their search in that vicinity.
On Monday, police cars were seen at the entrance to the track. Specialist dog teams have been deployed, concentrating their efforts near a national park in north-western Tenerife.
Warren Slater has been actively seeking assistance from the local community in Santiago del Teide, following an unconfirmed sighting of his son. The family has distributed missing posters in Spanish throughout the town, including at the tourist information center and in various shop windows.
An emotional Warren Slater pleaded with the public, saying, “Somebody must know something. I just want him to be found. End of.” The search continues under challenging conditions in the Rural de Teno National Park, Jay’s last known location.
Officers from the Guardia Civil have been seen investigating two structures at the bottom of a ravine in the park. The search has recently concentrated on this area after extensive efforts in the nearby village of Masca and the surrounding landscape.
When asked for updates, Tenerife police declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
The search for Jay Slater remains a high-priority operation, with family and authorities urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring him home.