British Hiker Rescued During Search for Missing Jay Slater Insists He ‘Didn’t Need Help’

David Larkin, a 51-year-old British hiker, was discovered by Spanish police during their search for missing Jay Slater in Tenerife. While officers reported rescuing a “tired and disoriented” man from the mountainous terrain, Larkin, who considers himself an experienced hiker, firmly asserted he did not need assistance.

“I can tell you now; I wasn’t tired and I wasn’t disoriented, and I didn’t need rescuing,” Larkin told the Mail. He explained that there was a misunderstanding when he interacted with the police. “I think there was a lot lost in translation when they saw him, and I explained to them I had water, I was wearing layers, I had my rucksack with food, and I’m an experienced hiker. I think they want to show how good they are, but I certainly didn’t need saving.”

Larkin, originally from Northern Ireland, expressed his embarrassment over the situation. “I had my poles and I know what I’m doing and I knew that if it could get windy I would take shelter in a cave,” he said. “I know these trails, I’ve been coming here for years, so I know what I’m doing.”

The police had initially stated in an online post that locals observed Larkin entering an area of difficult access and, after several hours without his return, alerted the agents involved in the search for Jay Slater. The post described Larkin as “tired and disoriented” when found by the agents and rescue team.

Explaining the encounter with the authorities, Larkin said, “The mountain rescue people took my picture and then dropped me off, and I’m very grateful, but I didn’t need helping to be honest, it extended my day. I did go in through a difficult path, and the trail isn’t that well marked, but I do know the way. When they came towards me, I did explain I was okay.” Larkin mentioned that he couldn’t return home until nearly 7 pm after being taken to safety “the long way.” He added, “I don’t want to appear ungrateful, and I thanked them for their concern, but I was fine.”

Meanwhile, the search for 19-year-old Jay Slater, missing since June 17, continues in the Rural de Teno National Park and its surroundings. The search efforts have included drones, sniffer dogs, and helicopters, focusing primarily on a 2,000ft ravine where his phone last pinged a nearby cell tower. Slater, an apprentice bricklayer from Lancashire, went missing after heading to Masca with two British men following a three-day rave in Tenerife. He had contacted a friend, indicating he was lost, disoriented, and running out of phone battery.

Jay’s friends have criticized Spanish police for not doing enough in the search, but officers remain “totally focused” on finding the teenager despite facing criticism. Lancashire Police had offered assistance, but it was reportedly declined by the Spanish authorities.