Dad of Missing Jay Slater Describes It as ‘Living Hell’ as Search Continues in Tenerife
The father of missing British teenager Jay Slater has described the ongoing search for his son as “a living hell.” The search efforts have intensified as they enter the second week in Tenerife. Warren Slater, speaking to reporters in Santiago del Teide — a town approximately four miles from the search area — expressed his desperation: “I just want him found.”
On Monday, the search efforts were visible with police cars stationed at the entrance to a mountain track close to where the 19-year-old’s mobile phone signal was last detected. Jay Slater has been unaccounted for since he last communicated with a friend on the island eight days ago, reporting that he was lost, his phone battery was nearly dead, and he was in urgent need of water.
Specialist dog teams have been deployed, focusing much of their efforts near a national park in north-western Tenerife. The Slater family, following an unconfirmed sighting, has been actively engaging with the local community in Santiago del Teide. They have distributed missing person posters throughout the area, including at the tourist information center and local shops.
An emotional Warren Slater urged anyone with information to come forward: “Somebody must know something. I just want him to be found. End of.”
The search is centered around Rural de Teno National Park, where the terrain poses significant challenges. On Sunday, members of the Guardia Civil were observed searching buildings at the base of a ravine within the park. The focus remains concentrated on this area after days of broader searches around the nearby village of Masca.
A volunteer from the UK, mountaineer Paul Arnott, described the search as “looking for a needle in a haystack,” highlighting the vast and steep nature of the area. Despite his expectations, he noted the limited number of people involved in the search effort.
Earlier, Jay had separated from his group after attending the NRG music festival at Papagayo nightclub. He left with two acquaintances for the national park and has not been seen since. NRG has expressed their concern, describing the situation as “devastating” and continuing to hope for Jay’s safe return.
Lancashire Police have offered assistance to their Spanish counterparts, who believe they have sufficient resources. Meanwhile, fundraising efforts led by Jay’s friend, Lucy Law, have raised over £30,000 to support the search. His employer, PH Build Group, has shown solidarity despite facing negative reactions on social media.
The remote and challenging landscape of Rural de Teno, a stark contrast to the southern tourist resorts of Tenerife, complicates the search efforts. As the search continues, his family remains hopeful, with his mother issuing a heartfelt plea: “We just need you home.”
Timeline of Events:
- Sunday 16 June: Jay attends the last day of the NRG festival.
- Early Monday 17 June: He leaves Playa de las Americas with two new acquaintances.
- 07:30 Monday: Jay posts a photo from Parque Rural de Teno.
- 08:30–09:00 Monday: His last phone call, attempting a 10-hour walk home.
- Tuesday 18 June to Sunday 23 June: Search efforts intensify with no sign of Jay.
The community and authorities continue their relentless pursuit, hopeful for a resolution to bring Jay Slater back to his family.
