‘Some countries do very little’: agony for families of people missing abroad

Relatively few people disappear while overseas - but when it happens there are often particular challenges

A relative going missing is already one of the most difficult situations any family can go through. But when a loved one vanishes abroad, language barriers, cultural differences and significant financial challenges can make it even harder.

The high-profile investigation into the disappearance of Jay Slater, 19, from Lancashire, who went missing after attending a music festival in Tenerife, concluded on Tuesday after four weeks. His mother, Debbie Duncan, who had flown out to the island soon after he was reported missing, said our hearts are broken" after a body found by rescue teams was confirmed to be his.