Spanish authorities are intensifying their efforts to locate 19-year-old Jay Slater, who disappeared while on holiday in Tenerife. The young man from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was last heard from on Monday morning when he informed a friend that he was attempting to walk back to his accommodation after missing a bus. The journey on foot was expected to take around 11 hours.

Desperate Search Efforts

Local police initially focused their search in the mountainous area of Rural de Teno Park (also known as the National Park of Teno), a popular spot for hikers. However, new developments have led them to widen their search to the southern part of the island. Specifically, they are concentrating on the tourist resorts of Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas, near where Jay was staying.

Mountain rescue teams, emergency services, drones, and sniffer dogs have been tirelessly combing the terrain since Monday. Despite their efforts, Jay’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Concerns and Emotional Strain

Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan, flew to Tenerife from the UK on Tuesday morning to join the search. She expressed her anguish, fearing that her son may have been taken against his will. “It’s just traumatic, and it doesn’t feel real,” she said. “I think he’s been taken with what’s been said, but it’s in the hands of the police now.”

The missing teenager had travelled to Tenerife to attend the NRG Tenerife Weekender music festival with friends. It was his first holiday abroad without his parents.

Community Support and Questions

Local residents have rallied to help in the search, with many expressing concern and hoping for Jay’s safe return. Shannon Shields, a resident, emphasised the urgency of the situation. “This is a party island,” she said. “Normally, people go missing in the tourist areas, but here it’s different. There’s civilisation, and surely he would have stumbled across someone.”

Last Known Location

Jay was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, shorts, and trainers. He was also carrying a black bag. His phone battery was at 1% when he last spoke to his friend, Lucy. Jay told Lucy that he needed water and didn’t know where he was. His phone subsequently died, with the last location showing him in “the middle of mountains with nothing around.”

The Civil Guard in Tenerife assured the public that emergency crews are doing everything possible to trace the teenager. Ms. Duncan praised the police’s efforts, describing them as “very good.”