Search for Stornoway teenager Aleksandr Benga who has been missing for six days
23 November 2024
The search for a missing 16-year-old boy entered its sixth day on Saturday.
Aleksandr Benga was last seen shortly before 9am on Monday (18 November) near the waterwheel in the Willowglen area of the Lews Castle Grounds.
Concerns for his welfare and safety are is extremely cold outside, and Aleksandr isn't suitably dressed for the weather.
Police Scotland say they are “increasingly concerned” for the young man's welfare.
Extensive searches have taken place with island based police, fire personnel, coastguards, and Hebridean Mountain Rescue.
Police and civilian support personnel from the mainland have been drafted in to assist with the search.
Specialist search officers from Aberdeen and Inverness have also been involved.
Searchers have encountered bad weather, freezing temperatures, and difficult terrain.
Efforts to try and find the youth will continue tomorrow (Sunday).
Aleksandr is described as 6ft 2ins tall, of slim build with short brown hair. When last seen, he was wearing a beige jumper and black jeans. He may also have a red jacket and a yellow beanie hat.
Inspector David Hall said: “We are continuing to appeal for the help of the public in tracing Aleksandr, who has now been missing for over 96 hours.
"We have been reviewing CCTV and footage provided by members of the public and we now have a better idea of Aleksandr's whereabouts prior to the sighting at the water wheel, however we still do not know where he went next.
"I urge Stornoway residents to check any outbuildings and sheds you may have in case he has sought shelter from the cold.
"I would also ask anyone with private CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to please review it and contact us if you think you’ve captured him passing.
"We are very concerned for this young man's welfare. Aleksandr, if you see this, please get in touch with us and let us know you are safe."
