MISSING JAY SLATER MAY BE ALIVE 'DRINKING RAINWATER AND EATING PLANTS' SAYS PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

Missing teen Jay Slater may be alive and keeping hydrated and fed by 'drinking rainwater and eating plants', according to one private investigator.

The bricklayer, 19, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire vanished on June 17 while on holiday in Tenerife with friends. He went missing after attending a rave and trying to make his way back to his holiday accommodation.

More than two weeks since his disappearance and with the ground search for him since being called off there have been no solid leads on his whereabouts. However, army reservist and private investigator Juan García has claimed "two weeks is too premature to end the search".

He told the Times: "[Jay] could be alive somewhere — someone can drink from rainwater and eat plants. The family should not give up hope." The 53-year-old said he had "spoken directly to the family and offered my advice".

Jay was last seen navigating the rugged terrain of the popular holiday island, a harsh and unforgiving landscape that can easily turn dangerous with one wrong move. Locals in the Masca area of Tenerife have said that a major safety measure was implemented last year - a sweeping road. According to the residents, it was constructed to make the area safer and easier for people to access.

One local said: "This whole road was built only around a year ago. It was built to make the area safer, to make it easier for people to get in and out of." Another local from Masca pointed out the influx of tourists flocking to the renowned Hilda viewpoint, a spot famed for its breathtaking views of Spain's volcanic landscapes. This very viewpoint turned into the hub of extensive search operations, with teams scouring the deep gorges flanking it in hopes of finding any sign of Jay.

The area was swarming with visitors, police officers, mountain rescue teams, and volunteers on Saturday, all joining forces in what was declared the ultimate effort to find Jay on land. The local remarked: "There are many tourists and many walkers and hikers who come here. The road was supposed to make it safer for them, but here we are."

The route to Masca and beyond to Hilda, Calle Turon, is notorious for its challenging drive marked by blind hairpin turns, steep climbs and drops, and mere bollards as the only barrier against the precipitous edges. Despite the risks, the road boasts relatively new tarmac, designated passing points, bus stops for locals, and serves as a vital artery for villagers and tourists alike, with buses full of sightseers heading to the viewpoint.

2024-07-04T08:37:44Z dg43tfdfdgfd