A major search operation is underway in Romania for a British teenager who vanished during a solo hike in the mountains near the famous Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend.
Disappearance During Solo Trek
George Smyth, an 18-year-old student from the UK, has been missing in Romania's Bucegi Mountains since 23 November. The University of Bristol undergraduate was on a solo trek when he contacted emergency services, reporting symptoms of severe hypothermia and exhaustion. This distress call, made last month, is the last confirmed contact with the teenager.
His mother, Jo Smyth, has flown to the Transylvania region to be closer to the search efforts. She revealed that her son had not informed anyone of his specific plans to hike alone in the rugged terrain.
Intensive Search Hampered by Weather
Romanian mountain rescue teams have been conducting an extensive ground and air search since George's disappearance. The operation involves around 20 specialist rescuers, who are using thermal imaging technology and sniffer dogs. A Black Hawk helicopter has also been deployed to scour the difficult landscape.
A significant breakthrough came when searchers located George Smyth's rucksack in the Tiganesti Valley. The backpack was found with his equipment and supplies inside, but there was no sign of the young man himself.
The rescue mission is facing severe challenges due to the extreme winter conditions in the area. More than two metres of snow has fallen, creating avalanche risks and making many paths impassable, which has drastically slowed the progress of the teams.
Family and University Express Deep Concern
The University of Bristol, where George Smyth recently began his studies, has issued a statement expressing profound worry for his safety and wellbeing. A university spokesperson confirmed they are providing support and are in close contact with his family during this distressing time.
Authorities continue to coordinate the search, focusing on the area where his belongings were found. The hope is that he may have sought shelter from the brutal weather. The international incident highlights the dangers of solo hiking in remote, alpine environments, especially without notifying others of your intended route.
