Northern Irish hiker ‘rescued’ during Jay Slater searches in Tenerife insists he ‘didn’t need to be saved’

David Larkin (51), who now lives in Scotland, was found by search crews scouring a park in Spain’s Canary Islands close to where the teenager was last seen.

Jay Slater, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, disappeared following an attempt to walk back to his accommodation after missing a bus. The search for the 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer is now in its second week.

But Mr Larkin told the Daily Mail he is an “experienced” hiker and said he knew what he was doing.

“I can tell you now; I wasn’t tired and I wasn’t disoriented, and I didn’t need rescuing.

“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.

“I feel so sorry for the boy’s family and hope he’s found soon.”

Mr Larkin said he knows the trails well and did not need help, saying he was “embarrassed” rescuers…

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Independent.ie