Coastguard joins desperate search for Scots teen missing overnight in freezing -9C weather

Coastguard crews have joined a desperate search for a teenager who was missing overnight as temperatures plummeted. Aleksandr Benga was last seen near the water wheel on the grounds of Lews Castle in Stornoway, Lewis, at around 8.45am yesterday morning, November 18.

Police issued an urgent appeal to trace the 16-year-old and HM Coastguard for the Western Isles, Skye, and Lochaber has confirmed they are now involved in a second day of searching for the teen, with high levels of search activity in the area.

They have urged members of the public to stay vigilant and check their outbuildings after freezing temperatures gripped Scotland last night, dropping as low as -9C in the Western Isles. A Met Office weather warning for snow and ice remains in place in Lewis until Wednesday.

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Aleksandr was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans and may have a red jacket with him.

Police Scotland wrote on Monday evening: "We are appealing to the public for information about a missing teenager in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Aleksandr Benga, 16, was last seen about 8.45am on Monday, November 18, near to the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle.

"Aleksandr was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans, and may be in possession of a red jacket. If you see Aleksandr, or have any information that may help us, please phone 101 with incident reference 0803 of 18/11/2024."

Sharing the police post on Facebook this morning, HM Coastguard added: "We are now into the second day of searching for Aleksandr along with all our partner services, and would appeal to anyone in the Stornoway town and Castle Grounds areas to please be vigilant and report anything to Police Scotland Highland & Islands via 101 or to HM Coastguard via 999.

"We would ask anyone able to safely do so to check their outbuildings in case he has sought refuge from the overnight weather conditions. There will be high levels of search activity today (19th November), and ask for your patience as we move personnel and vehicles around the area."

Inspector David Hall said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of Aleksandr as are his family. He has not been seen for over 24 hours now.

“It was extremely cold overnight and we would ask residents to check their outbuildings and sheds as he may have sought shelter there.

“Local officers, along with assistance from HM Coastguard and RNLI’s Stornoway lifeboat have resumed search activity this morning.

“As our enquiries continue, I would urge anyone who has seen or heard from Aleksandr or who has any information on his whereabouts to contact us as soon as possible. Please contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0803 of Monday, 18 November, 2024.”

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