A desperate race against time is underway in the treacherous peaks of Romania as mountain rescue teams search for a British teenager who vanished over a week ago after making a distressed call for help.
Desperate Call and Disappearance
The alert for 18-year-old George was issued by the Salvamont Brasov rescue service on November 28, five days after he was last seen. According to rescuers, George set off alone from the resort of Poiana Brasov on the morning of Sunday, November 23, intending to hike to the village of Bran, famed for its connection to Dracula's Castle.
His situation became critical by that evening. Rescuers state that George managed to reach the Tiganesti valley, where he contacted the 112 emergency line from an altitude of over 6,562 feet. He reported he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia. "He was already in an advanced state of fatigue and hypothermia," officials confirmed, triggering an immediate overnight search operation.
Large-Scale Search Hampered by Perilous Conditions
Despite extensive daily operations, the search has been severely hampered by the harsh winter conditions now gripping the Bucegi Mountains. The area has been hit by dangerous weather, heavy snow, and the constant threat of avalanches, which even forced a temporary suspension of the mission.
In a significant escalation of efforts, Salvamont Brasov deployed a Black Hawk helicopter to access the most inaccessible parts of the massif—a first for local rescue operations. Teams on foot, aided by sniffer dogs and a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera, have scoured the rugged terrain.
The only trace found so far is a rucksack with equipment, discovered in the area George indicated during his emergency call. The bag has been handed to police, but no further sign of the teenager has been located.
A Mother's Anguish and a Family's Plea
George's mother, Jo Smyth, has flown to Romania to be near the search. She revealed her son had left his UK university without telling his family to go on the solo hike. "His phone last had signal in a remote mountain area," she said. "The teams found his backpack in the same place from where he called for help within a few hours."
In an emotional appeal, his mother described George as a sporty and strong young man who loved the mountains. "We hope and pray that he somehow survived despite all the odds. Just the thought of a life without him is unbearable," she told local media.
The family had begged rescuers to distribute his photograph publicly in the hope of generating new leads. Authorities continue to urge anyone who may have seen George, who was wearing the jacket shown in the released photo, to contact Salvamont Brasov or the nearest police station immediately.
The search continues, dependent on weather developments and operational safety, as rescuers stress that despite all technology and continuous effort since November 23, no new conclusive clues have been found.
