Tenerife police enlist volunteers for a large-scale operation to find British teenager Jay Slater, missing since June 17 in rugged terrain
In Tenerife, a sense of urgency grips the community as authorities and volunteers mobilize in a massive search effort to locate Jay Slater, a 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer from Lancashire who vanished on June 17. Slater, who had been holidaying with friends on the island, was last heard from when he sent a distressing message to a friend, indicating he was without water and had minimal phone battery left.
The search, now in its 12th day, focuses on the challenging terrain around Masca, within the municipality of Buenavista del Norte. This area is known for its steep rocky expanses, rugged trails, and numerous ravines, presenting formidable challenges to search teams. Tenerife’s Civil Guard, led by police chief Angel Sanz Coronado, has issued a plea for assistance from volunteer organizations to join in a coordinated search set to commence on Saturday, June 29, starting from Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda in Masca.
David Cameron, the UK foreign secretary, expressed concern and empathy for Slater’s family, highlighting ongoing consular support efforts in Tenerife. During a visit to Rolls-Royce in Lancashire, Cameron underscored the importance of making progress in locating Slater, underscoring the gravity of the situation for the family and local authorities.
Despite extensive efforts involving police dogs, helicopters, and drones scouring the Masca gorge, there has been no trace of Slater. The area, known for previous disappearances, has proven challenging, with local residents acknowledging that finding missing persons can take months.
Slater’s mother, Debbie Duncan, has been steadfast in her determination to find her son, remaining on the island for over a week. She expressed optimism that Jay would be found alive, bolstered by the outpouring of support from both the local community and well-wishers worldwide.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign launched to support the search efforts surpassed £40,000 within days. Duncan outlined plans to allocate funds towards mountain rescue teams’ operational costs, as well as covering extended accommodation and living expenses in Tenerife. She emphasized the importance of solidarity, noting the emotional strain on everyone involved in the search.
Analysis:
Political Perspective: The involvement of UK consular services underscores the international dimension of the search, highlighting diplomatic ties and the role of government in supporting citizens abroad. The case also draws attention to issues of international cooperation in emergency situations, reflecting on the responsiveness of authorities across borders.
Social Perspective: The widespread community response, both locally in Tenerife and internationally through crowdfunding, demonstrates the solidarity and empathy of individuals towards a family in crisis. It underscores how social media and online platforms can mobilize support and resources in urgent situations, transcending geographical boundaries.
Economic Perspective: The GoFundMe campaign’s rapid fundraising illustrates the financial impact of emergencies on families and communities. It reflects on the economic strain of prolonged search operations, necessitating public support to sustain intensive efforts such as search teams, accommodations, and logistical needs.
