The mother of missing Stornoway teenager Aleksandr Benga is “begging” for help as the search for her “darling son” enters its fifth day.
The 16-year-old was last seen at around 8.45am on Monday, November 18 near to the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle.
Rescue teams from across northern Scotland have been scrambled to the Western Isles, as air, land and sea searches are carried out.
His heartbroken mother Viktoria Benga has taken to social media to plead for help as she fears for her son’s safety.
“I’m begging for help,” she said.
“Any information about Aleksandr’s whereabouts is highly appreciated.”
Police have also issued two new images of Aleksandr as search efforts on the island continue, including a CCTV image of his last movements.
Residents are being asked to check any outbuildings and review CCTV, dashcam and doorbell footage to aid with their enquiries.
Locals rally to help search for missing Stornoway teenager
Local clubs and businesses have been going out of their way to help the searchers.
The Stornoway Sea Angling Club has been supplying free lunches to all emergency services, including warm meals and hot drinks.
Nicola McClenents and Eilidh Macleod, new managers at the club, took it upon themselves to offer free food and shelter to rescue teams taking part in the search.
Speaking to The Press and Journal, Nicola says they have been blown away by the community’s support and the outpouring of donations.
“Everyone is so worried and it’s quite a heavy feeling on the community as a whole because he is a young boy,” she said.
“Stornoway is not a massive place and it’s coming up to Christmas and you just want him home with his mum.
“The whole community is pulling together.
“They always come together at a time of need, so it’s really humbling.
“Something we just wanted to do as a club to give back to the community has now gone crazy.
“We’ve had the takeaway’s donating hot pizzas and the likes of my granny, she did some baking today making scones and pancakes. The Co-op, Tesco, Lews Castle and even families have been donating.
“Eilidh and I have paid for this out of our own pockets and we’ve had so many donations over the last couple of days. It is overwhelming.
“It’s encouraging for us as a club but it’s the least we could do to support the guys and the women out there working so hard right now to find that boy.”
Nicola thanked everyone for their support adding: “We just want to say the biggest heartfelt thank you from myself and Eilidh but as a club as a whole.
“We started this off as a wee something and this town has rallied together.”
Rescue teams leave no stone unturned in the search for Aleksandr
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.”
Aleksandr is described as being around 6ft 2ins tall, of slim build with short brown hair.
When last seen, he was wearing a beige jumper and black jeans.
Officers believe he may also have a red jacket and a yellow beanie hat in his possession.
Anyone with information concerning Aleksandr’s whereabouts is being asked to contact police 101 as soon as possible, quoting incident 0803 of 18 November, 2024.
Conversation