The introduction of a new "eco-tax" could potentially impede the search efforts for missing British teen, Jay Slater. Implemented by the Tenerife government, this new policy means visitors to certain areas will have to cough up an extra £24 per day. This change, which affects the scenic rural mountains of Teno National Park where the 19 year old was last seen, comes into effect today (13 July).
The family of the missing teenager has managed to raise over £52,000 through a GoFundMe campaign, funds intended to privately finance further search missions. These efforts were initiated after official Spanish search and rescue operations ceased at the end of June. Jay's mother Debbie Duncan has reached out to several mountaineers and rescue groups and is currently waiting for permission from Spanish authorities to proceed with these private expeditions.
Despite the lapse in time since his disappearance, Spanish police on the island have made it clear that the investigation into Jay's whereabouts remains open. that this new €28 tax will be applicable to all tourists visiting Masca which, thanks to its natural beauty, regularly becomes congested with visitors. The regular need for rescues has put a financial strain on the local authorities Masca is the village where Jay lodged in an Airbnb.
He had informed a friend of his 11-hour trek back to the southern part of the island, where he stayed. Adjacent to the village lies the Masca ravine. It was shut down three years ago due to safe.