The urgent search for a British teenager who vanished while hiking in Romania is set to resume today, after being suspended for 48 hours due to treacherous weather conditions.
Desperate Search Amid Harsh Conditions
George Smyth, an 18-year-old from Shropshire, has been missing for more than a week after he went hiking alone in Romania's rugged Bucegi Mountains last Sunday, November 23. Local rescue services confirmed the operation was called off on Monday and Tuesday because of the severe conditions but will restart this morning.
A spokesperson for the services stated: "Because of the weather, we had to call off the search yesterday and today. We searched on Saturday and Sunday, and we will continue tomorrow and the day after. The conditions are extremely difficult, but we are still hoping to find him alive."
A Mother's Heart-Wrenching Plea
George's mother, Jo Smyth, who has flown to Romania to support the search, made an emotional appeal on Romanian television. "We are hoping and praying he's somehow survived this, against all odds," she told Antena1 TV. "The thought of life without him is unbearable."
She revealed further distressing details to Observator News, explaining that her son had left his college in the UK without informing his family. His last known action was a desperate call to the European emergency number 112 on the evening he disappeared. His phone signal was lost in an isolated mountain area, and his backpack was later found at the same location from which he made the call for help.
Race Against Time in the Bucegi Mountains
The search for George Smyth is now a critical race against time and the elements. The Bucegi Mountains are known for their challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather, posing significant risks even to experienced hikers. The discovery of his backpack at the site of his last communication provides a focal point for rescue teams, but the vast and remote landscape complicates efforts.
His family remains on the ground in Romania, assisting where possible as the extensive operation continues. The international incident highlights the dangers of solo hiking in unfamiliar and demanding environments, with the community and authorities clinging to hope for a positive outcome.
