Jay Slater's dad releases 'tough' update from Tenerife as his son remains missing

Jay Slater's dad has shared an update following Saturday's "massive search" for his son and has hit back at the trolls who have been posting online.

Credit: Instagram

The search for Jay Slater has been ongoing for just under two weeks, ever since he was reported missing by friends on June 17 after a night out on the Spanish island of Tenerife.

Jay, 19, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, was visiting the island with friends as part of the NRG music festival.

During one event at the Playa de las Américas resort, Jay chose to stay out with two British men instead of returning to his shared accommodation with friends.

The following morning, Jay called his friends Lucy Mae Law and Brad Hargreaves, stating he was lost, thirsty, and planning to walk back to their holiday apartment - a journey that would have taken around 10 hours.

Credit: Facebook

His phone died shortly after, with his last known location near the village of Masca in the mountainous Rural de Teno Park area.

On Saturday, Jay's father, Warren, 58, and his older brother, Zak, visited the search site, after authorities called on volunteers to aid with a "busqueda masiva" or "massive search".

Addressing Saturday's search efforts, Warren expressed his frustrations and gratitude.

"It’s a bit disappointing that there are no British apart from [British TikToker] Paul, but I suppose to them he’s just a British lad who’s come out here and got drunk," he said, per the Mirror.

He criticized online trolls for their harsh comments, stating: "I’m grateful to those who have come out here because you can see just how dangerous it is and what gets me is the trollers who are having a go at us for not searching.

"It’s not the local park; these are big mountains, the terrain is dangerous. Put yourself in our position – would you go out in these conditions?

"It’s tough, it’s hard, we are leaving it to the professionals, and I’m grateful for those who have turned out today, and I want to thank them for what they are doing."

Warren continued: “We just still can’t believe it; it’s been so tough on us, and I want people to think about us as parents and what we are going through. All those trollers having a go at us, they don’t know how we feel.

"Why don’t they come up here and have a look and see for themselves how dangerous it is? I’ve come up here now myself because I wanted to have a look around with Zak and to thank those who are up here and have given their time."

Debbie Duncan with her son, Jay Slater. Credit: Facebook

Jay's father went on: "I just didn’t think this would go on for so long. I dropped his mum and brother off at the airport and thought they would be back in a few days.

"I just thought he’s gone out, had a drink, and ended up at some girl’s place as we all did when we were younger. He’s our youngest. I just want him home.”

Spanish authorities have now revealed that they have called off the "massive search" for Jay in the area surrounding the village of Masca, though the investigation remains open.

On Sunday (June 30), the Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that the search for Jay has ended, but they are keeping the investigation open, per Sky News.

Per the Manchester Evening News, a Civil Guard spokeswoman said on Sunday (June 30): “The search operation has now finished although the case remains open."

The outlet adds that a "well-placed source" has stated: "The daily operation which has been going on in and around Masca close to where Jay was last seen has been brought to an end. If any information comes in that merits a new search though it will be acted upon."

The teen's parents have reportedly been informed.

Additionally, the "well-placed source" claimed that "nothing of note" was found during Saturday's search.

Featured image credit: Facebook