The search for missing British teenager Jay Slater has hit a snag as local media outlets report specialist dogs are “unable to find him”.
The 19-year-old from Lancashire was reported missing in Tenerife more than a week ago (June 17) after he called his friend Lucy, telling her he was lost in a rural area of the island with only 1% battery left on his phone.
His last known location was half a mile north of Masca village. Despite ongoing efforts by emergency workers, including the Civil Guard, mountain rescue team and fire crews, the challenging terrain of the Rural de Teno park is proving difficult to search.
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Early on into the search it was reported that specially trained dogs were brought in to try and help search for him – especially as they could traverse the difficult terrain easier than humans could.
But now, according to English-language Spanish news outlet Canarian Weekly, the dogs have been “unable to find him,” a Guardia Civil source has told them.
As well as dogs, and Special Mountain Rescue Intervention Group “agents,” drones and helicopters are also being used.
(Image: PA)
And as theories continue to mount up about the disappearance, and potential avenues of enquiry, a Guardia Civil official said that “all hypotheses are open” when it comes to searching for him – but that it is still a “missing person case”.
The search efforts are still focussed on the Masca Valley region, and areas near to Buenavista del Norte and Teno Rural Park.
The island of Tenerife is set to be overrun by Brits and ex-pats this weekend, as Ed Sheeran takes ot the CD Tenerife stadium to perform – which could hamper parts of the search, as officials confirmed road closures and changes to public transport were being introduced.
(Image: Stan Kujawa)
The councillor for Transport, Evelyn Alonso, said: “We have implemented all the security measures possible for an event of this magnitude so as not to hinder vehicle and pedestrian traffic, with the modifications and security areas correctly signposted and marked.”
The Daily Star has reached out to the Guardia Civil for a comment.
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