The Journey of Jay
Venturing into a secluded area of Tenerife leads you to a quaint settlement named Masca. Along the winding road, the captivating view of the sea below and the towering mountains above unfolds before you.
Unlike the bustling resort towns in the south which attract British tourists, Masca is a serene enclave with only a few residences and cafes nestled amidst ravines and rocky cliffs, creating a stark contrast.
Since the disappearance of Jay Slater, a 19-year-old apprenticeship trainee from Lancashire, onlookers and visitors to Masca have been accompanied by two additional cohorts.
Quest for Answers
The search for Jay began at Papayago, a nightclub where he was last seen relishing the finale of the New Rave Generation (NRG) festival late on 16th June.
Situated in Playa De Las Americas, near his lodging in Los Cristianos, the club teeming with British party-goers and bordered by the beach was a spot Jay frequented during the two-day festival.
However, on the event’s final night, instead of returning to his friends’ accommodation, Jay departed with two companions, heading towards a small Airbnb in Masca.
Details about his movements and whereabouts become obscure from this point onward, except for the account of an eyewitness we encountered during our initial day in Tenerife.
Local Testimonies
Ofelia Medina Hernandez, who operates a café above the Airbnb, reported seeing Jay around 8 am on the 17th of June.
“He inquired twice about the bus schedule,” she shared. “Upon his return, he posed the question again, and I reiterated that the bus would arrive at 10 o’clock.
“Later, as I got into my car, I caught a glimpse of him moving briskly, but I did not spot him thereafter,” she recounted.
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Developments in the Search for Jay Slater in Tenerife
Observing the sequence of events, despite the Airbnb entrance being at a close range to a bus stop that could have transported him back down south, Jay appeared to walk in the opposite direction according to Medina Hernandez.
An essential part of the timeline revolves around a phone call Jay had with a friend at approximately 8.30am that day. During the conversation, he mentioned he was trekking back after missing a bus – a time-consuming journey lasting 11 hours by foot.
He also expressed being disoriented, requiring water, and having just 1% battery charge left on his phone.
Authorities believe his phone was last detected in the vicinity of an observatory approximately an 18-minute walk away, becoming the focal point of the emergency services’ efforts during the initial week.
The Extensive Search Operation
The initial burst of action involved deploying a helicopter, drones, and search dogs by the emergency services. As time progressed, the search transitioned into a more concentrated effort, with smaller teams of officers exploring specific areas such as ravines and caves.
Pic: Adele-Momoko Fraser
### Police Release New CCTV Image in the Search for Missing Teenager
#### Surveillance Update
Police have shared a fresh CCTV image in their ongoing efforts to locate a missing teenager named Jay Slater. The image was released to aid in the search for the young individual, whose disappearance has caused distress among family members and the community.
#### Family’s Statement
Amid the flurry of social media activity surrounding the case, Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan, expressed her gratitude for the ground efforts and extensive searches being conducted. She emphasized the overwhelming nightmare the family is going through and requested privacy amidst the social media speculations.
#### Support and Gratitude
Despite the challenges posed by social media, the family also acknowledged the positive impact it has had. Paul Arnott, a dedicated hiker from Bedfordshire, received a special mention for his unwavering support in the search mission. Paul’s commitment to aiding the search efforts from Scotland to Spain has been commendable.
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#### TikToker’s Involvement
Paul, who actively shares updates on TikTok, remains closely aligned with the police search operations. His consistent engagement with followers on the platform provides a unique perspective on the ongoing search and rescue mission for Jay Slater.
### Critical Phase in the Search Operation
#### The 13th Day of Search
With the search for Jay entering its crucial 13th day, authorities are mobilizing a massive operation involving various volunteer agencies and experts in rugged terrain search. The Spanish Civil Guard is leading the extensive search efforts, joined by dedicated volunteers in a collective push to locate the missing teenager.
#### Final Push for Answers
In a case that has captivated not only the local community but also garnered attention worldwide, the focus now shifts to a concerted and intensified search, marking the beginning of a critical phase in the quest to find Jay Slater.
