Authorities in Tenerife continue to search for Jay Slater, a 19-year-old British teenager who has been missing since June 17, 2024. Slater was last seen after attending the NRG music festival in the south of the island. He reportedly left the festival with two men he met there and was later heard from via a phone call at 8:30 a.m. local time, stating he was lost in the mountains with only 1% battery left on his phone.
Search efforts are concentrated around Teno Rural Park, approximately 40 kilometers from the festival site. Slater's last known location was near the village of Masca, where he was planning to embark on an 11-hour walk to his hotel after missing a bus.
The Guardia Civil has been leading the search operation, employing helicopters, drones, search dogs, and ground teams to comb through the rugged terrain. Lancashire Police in the UK have offered support, but the offer was declined as Spanish authorities believe they have adequate resources.
A recent CCTV image, captured in Santiago del Teide, approximately 7 kilometers from Masca, shows a man matching Slater's description sitting on a bench with two men. However, this sighting remains unconfirmed by local authorities.
Slater's disappearance has deeply impacted his family. His father, Warren Slater, has described the experience as a "living hell," while his mother, Debbie Duncan, has expressed hopes of finding her son safe. A GoFundMe campaign launched to assist in the search has raised over £33,000.
Meanwhile, Tenerife's emergency services continue to extend their search to forest trails and other areas in Buenavista del Norte. The UK Foreign Office is in contact with Spanish authorities, offering support to Slater's family during this difficult time.