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

Coastguard crews have joined in a frantic search for a Scottish teenager who has been missing overnight as temperatures dropped to a chilling -9C. Sixteen-year-old Aleksandr Benga was last spotted near the water wheel in the vicinity of Lews Castle in Stornoway, Lewis, at approximately 8.45 am yesterday. Police launched an urgent appeal to locate the missing teen, prompting HM Coastguard for the Western Isles, Skye, and Lochaber to get involved in a relentless second day of search efforts. The teams have intensified their search activities in the area, urging the public to remain vigilant and inspect their outbuildings following the freezing conditions that enveloped Scotland last night, with temperatures plummeting to -9C in the Western Isles. A Met Office snow and ice warning is still in effect in Lewis until Wednesday. Aleksandr Benga was wearing a beige jumper, black jeans, and possibly carrying a red jacket when he was last seen. Police Scotland’s statement on Monday evening read: “We are appealing for information from the public on a missing teenager in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Aleksandr Benga, 16, was last seen around 8.45 am on Monday, November 18, near the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle. If anyone spots Aleksandr or has any information that could aid us, please call 101 quoting incident reference 0803 of 18/11/2024.”

HM Coastguard shared the police post on Facebook this morning and stated, “We are on our second day of searching for Aleksandr alongside all our partner services. We urge anyone in the Stornoway town and Castle Grounds areas to be alert and report any findings to Police Scotland Highland & Islands by calling 101 or to HM Coastguard by dialing 999. We encourage those who can do so safely to check their outbuildings in case he has sought shelter from the harsh overnight weather conditions. There will be extensive search operations today (19th November), so we ask for your understanding as we deploy personnel and vehicles throughout the area.”

This crucial search effort highlights the dedication of emergency services in responding swiftly to such distressing situations, with the community urged to support ongoing efforts and remain vigilant as the search continues.