The Coastguard has now joined in the urgent search for a missing Scottish teenager who disappeared overnight as temperatures dropped to a freezing -9C. Aleksandr Benga was last spotted near the water wheel at Lews Castle in Stornoway, Lewis, around 8:45am yesterday. Authorities issued a plea for help in locating the 16-year-old, with HM Coastguard for the Western Isles, Skye, and Lochaber confirming their participation in the search efforts for the second day. Search operations are underway with heightened activity in the region, urging the public to remain vigilant and inspect their surroundings amid the freezing conditions that hit Scotland, particularly the Western Isles, where temperatures plunged as low as -9C overnight. The Met Office has extended a weather warning for snow and ice in Lewis until Wednesday.
Aleksandr Benga was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans, possibly with a red jacket. Police Scotland disclosed in a statement on Monday evening: “We are appealing to the public for information about a missing teenager in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Aleksandr Benga, 16, was last seen about 8.45am on Monday, November 18, near to the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle. If you see Aleksandr, or have any information that may help us, please phone 101 with incident reference 0803 of 18/11/2024.”
Following the Coastguard’s announcement on Facebook, “We are now into the second day of searching for Aleksandr along with all our partner services, and would appeal to anyone in the Stornoway town and Castle Grounds areas to please be vigilant and report anything to Police Scotland Highland & Islands via 101 or to HM Coastguard via 999. We would ask anyone able to safely do so to check their outbuildings in case he has sought refuge from the overnight weather conditions. There will be high levels of search activity today (19th November), and ask for your patience as we move personnel and vehicles around the area.”
In these critical times, the community’s support and awareness are essential in aiding the search for Aleksandr and ensuring his safe return home.
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In summary, the Coastguard has joined the search for Aleksandr Benga, a missing Scottish teenager, who disappeared in freezing temperatures. The urgency of the situation has led to efforts involving multiple agencies, with a call for public assistance and vigilance in the search operation. The need for thorough search efforts and community support is crucial in locating Aleksandr and ensuring his safety.