Search called off for Scots teen who vanished two weeks ago in freezing -9C conditions

The search for a missing Scottish teenager, Aleksandr Benga, who disappeared over two weeks ago in freezing -9°C conditions, has been called off. The 16-year-old was last seen near the water wheel on the grounds of Lews Castle in Stornoway, Lewis, at around 8:45 am on Monday, November 18. Following his disappearance, police issued an urgent appeal to locate Aleksandr, prompting the involvement of coastguard crews for the Western Isles, Skye, and Lochaber.

Despite extensive efforts and searches, including the deployment of both local and national specialist police resources, Aleksandr remains missing. Inspector Euan Cowan expressed, “Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time, and we remain in regular contact with them.” While physical searches have concluded, the police reassured that they will continue to assess all available information and respond to any new leads provided to them.

Aleksandr’s mother, Viktoria, cautioned the public about a fraudulent fundraising page that had been set up in her son’s name, falsely claiming to support the search operation. She warned against donating to the online platform and clarified that neither she nor her family had initiated any fundraising efforts for Aleksandr. It was later acknowledged that the misleading fundraiser has been taken down.

In a social media post, Viktoria wrote, “Please be aware. Not myself or my family haven’t set up any fundraising for Aleksandr. If anyone asks for the money for this matter do not send it. Please be cautious.”

In spite of the conclusion of physical search activities, the authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding Aleksandr’s whereabouts to come forward by contacting 101 and quoting incident 0803 of November 18, 2024.

The community’s support and vigilance in such cases are crucial, and the efforts to find Aleksandr Benga reflect the dedication of the authorities and the public in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals who go missing under such distressing circumstances.

Insights and Summary:
The disappearance of Aleksandr Benga highlights the challenges and complexities involved in search operations for missing persons, especially in harsh weather conditions. The commitment of law enforcement agencies, coastguard crews, and the public in search efforts underscores the community’s solidarity in times of crisis. The caution against fraudulent fundraising serves as a reminder to verify donation platforms and support legitimate causes. Despite the search conclusion, maintaining awareness and communication remain vital to ongoing investigations and the hope for a safe resolution in missing person cases.