Urgent search launched for boy, 16, missing overnight in brutal -9C freeze
A MAJOR air, land and sea search has been mounted for a missing teenager who has disappeared in freezing conditions in the Outer Hebrides.
Aleksandr Benga was last seen about 8.45am on Monday near the waterwheel in the Lews Castle Grounds at Stornoway.
The 16-year-old was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans, and may be in possession of a red jacket.
The hunt for the teen has intensified amid bitterly cold temperatures that saw the mercury dropped as low as -9C overnight on the Isle of Lewis.
The region was handed a 42-hour warning for snow and ice until Wednesday when deep cold snap arrived from the Arctic last night.
The latest Met Office yellow weather warning kicked in at 4pm on last night and lasts right through until 10am on Wednesday as crews ramp up their search for Aleksandr.
Coastguard and fire personnel have been searching in the castle grounds, Willowglen, and adjacent areas.
The Stornoway coastguard search and rescue helicopter also joined the search on Monday, while Stornoway Lifeboat scoured the coastline between Arnish and the inner harbour.
Coastguards, police, the lifeboat and helicopter also mounted a major search again today, concentrated on the Stornoway area.
A spokesperson for Stornoway Coastguard said:”We are now into the second day of searching for Alexander, and would appeal to anyone in the Stornoway town and Castle Grounds areas to please be vigilant and report anything to Police Scotland Highland and 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, and ask for your patience as we move personnel and vehicles around the area.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “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 08:45 on Monday 18 November 2024 near to the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle.
“Aleksandr was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans, and may be in possession of a red jacket.
“If you see Aleksandr, or have any information that may help us, please phone 101 with incident reference 0803 of 18/11/2024”