Yahoo News Jay Slater could still be alive if he has access to two things, says missing person expert
A missing person expert says it is "certainly possible" that Jay Slater is alive if he has access to two things.
The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle, disappeared more than two weeks ago in a remote area of Tenerife. He vanished on June 17 after leaving an Airbnb in Masca and his last known contact was a phone call to a friend during which he said that he was planning to walk back to the south of the island - a trek of about 11 hours - before his battery died.
Despite the Spanish police calling off their extensive search last Sunday, they are still actively investigating the disappearance. Meanwhile, Jay's family continues their stay in Tenerife, clinging to the hope of finding him alive.
READ MORE: Man who Jay Slater visited at Tenerife Airbnb before vanishing addresses 'problems'
Charlie Hedges, a former police sergeant and now an expert on missing persons, told The Sun that survival is "certainly possible" for Jay if he has found sources of rainwater and edible plants.
He said: "It's certainly possible. I think it's important to let the investigation keep all lines of inquiry open until they're proven to be not viable.
"It is quite a long time to survive without food. Depends on how much rain there is, as to whether there's sufficient water.
"But certainly, one should always consider that possibility."
Brian Harrison, a British ex-pat residing in Tenerife, has weighed in on the disappearance of Jay, suggesting that the missing hiker might have ventured onto the Masca Gorge Trail, known locally as Barranco de Masca. The 57-year-old surveying expert warns that the trail can be treacherous if one strays from the path.
However, he also noted the presence of numerous narrow aqueducts and waterfalls in the area which could have provided Jay with access to water.
He said: "Logic suggests that if Jay did get lost, maybe he was heading down towards the ocean. It's feasible he has taken the Masca Gorge Trail and has fallen and injured himself. There are some sheer drops along the route, there is danger.
"If he's fallen it is feasibly possible that he's got some water from somewhere, meaning he could still be alive, it's a possibility."
Mr Harrison, who is also the Secretary General of the Tenerife Ecological Association, added: "The area has lots of aqueducts that farmers use to feed their goats and there's a waterfall down there." Jay's mum Debbie Duncan has said donations will be used to support volunteers helping to find her son.
In a statement on the GoFundMe appeal Get Jay Slater Home, which had raised nearly £50,000, Debbie thanked the "vast" generosity of donors, saying her family are "grateful for all of your support and kindness during this unimaginable time".
Ms Duncan wrote that part of the funds will be used to support volunteers hunting for him in the mountains near where his last phone call was traced. She went on: "We are currently looking after Paul Arnett, putting together a package of any equipment and essentials he needs and going up to do a drop for him."
"We are also supporting Callum Fahim and his group with accommodation and other essentials." The remaining money will be used to support rescue teams, Ms Duncan said, as well as her family's "own expenses as we remain in Tenerife looking for our boy". She added: "We will continue to keep you all updated on the progress on our GoFundMe page, and we thank you for your continued support. Please keep sharing and supporting our fundraiser to help us bring Jay home."
