A huge search and rescue operation has been launched in Tenerife after British teenager Jay Slater went missing for more than a week.
The 19-year-old apprentice mason, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, is believed to have disappeared while attempting to return home from a rave party while on holiday with friends.
In addition, Jay’s friend Lucy Law, who was his last contact, started a GoFundMe page. So far more than £33,000 has been raised, although according to Jay Duncan’s mother Debbie Duncan, none of it has been withdrawn yet.
Take a look at the timeline of events surrounding Jay Slater’s disappearance:
- On Sunday, June 17, Jay attended the NRG music festival with his friend, Lucy Law, who would be meeting him for the last time. At 8:35 p.m., Jay posted a Snapchat video from the event in the southwest of the island. Lucy left early, but Jay stayed behind, leaving later with two other Britons between Sunday night and Monday morning.
- On Monday, June 18, Jay stayed at an Airbnb in Teno Rural Park, near Masca, and posted on Snapchat at 7:30 a.m. He attempted to take a bus back to Los Cristianos, where he was staying. Jay was last seen by the Airbnb owner, who reported he was walking fast alone. Jay later called Lucy at 8:30 a.m., saying after walking a short time he was lost and needed water. A missing person report was filed at 9 a.m., prompting an extensive search operation with drones, dogs, and a helicopter. Lucy joined the search after receiving assistance from a local woman.
- On Tuesday, June 18, Jay’s mother Debbie Duncan was alerted to his disappearance at 2am and immediately left for Tenerife at 7am with his older brother Jack. Debbie received distressing prank calls claiming Jay had been taken, while her partner speculated Jay may have lost his way.
- On Wednesday, June 19, police investigated false sightings of Jay in Los Cristianos, and diverted the search initially south, then focused north around Masca. His hotel room was searched, with only his belongings found. Debbie described the incident as a “living nightmare” and pleaded for Jay’s return, while Lucy described his disappearance as “suspicious and strange”.
- New footage emerged on Thursday, June 20, showing Jay walking through the crowd at an NRG Rave while wearing sunglasses on his head.
- By Friday, June 21, search efforts were focused on the 2,000ft-high Masca Valley, known for its steep trail leading down to the sea. Meanwhile, Jay’s roommates returned to the UK. The Tenerife Civil Guard refused assistance from Lancashire Constabulary, a decision which Debbie criticised, citing the need for more resources in the search.
- On Saturday, June 22, an unconfirmed sighting of Jay was reported in Santiago del Tede, about 3.5 miles from Masca. A witness claimed he saw him with two men outside a church around 6 p.m. on Monday, nine hours after the missing persons report was filed. Jay’s father, Warren Slater, visited the search area in response.
- By Sunday, 23 June, search operations had become focused on outbuildings in Maska. A journalist involved in the Madeleine McCann case offered assistance, and a GoFundMe campaign organised by Lucy raised over £30,000 in donations.
- On Monday, June 24, Jay’s family shared a screenshot of CCTV footage showing a man walking past the church in Santiago del Tede, confirming the alleged sighting. Debbie expressed her deep concern, saying, “I really hope I don’t bring my son home in a body bag.”
