Desperate Search for British Teen in Harsh Romanian Winter
A large-scale mountain rescue operation is underway in Romania as authorities and volunteers battle treacherous conditions to find a missing British teenager. George Smyth, an 18-year-old university student from Newport, Shropshire, vanished over a week ago while hiking alone in the snow-covered Bucegi Mountains.
The alarm was raised after George made a desperate call to the Romanian emergency number 112 on Sunday, November 23. In the call, he reported he was exhausted and suffering from symptoms of hypothermia. An official missing person alert was subsequently issued by authorities on November 28.
Last Known Movements and Frantic Family Appeal
George, who is in his first year studying geology, had embarked on a solo hiking trip without informing his family, reportedly to spare them worry. He began his trek from the resort area of Poiana Brasov, heading towards the famous village of Bran, home to the legendary Bran Castle often associated with the Dracula myth.
His last known location was the remote Tiganesti valley, at an altitude of approximately 6,562 feet (2,000 metres), where his mobile phone last transmitted a signal. Rescue teams from the Salvamont Brasov service reached the area within hours of his distress call and discovered his rucksack, but there has been no trace of George himself since.
His mother, Jo Smyth, who has flown to Romania with family, made a heartfelt public appeal. She described her son as a "smart, loving and adventurous" young man who loved the mountains. "He just turned 18... He kept this trip a secret from us so that we wouldn't worry," she told Romanian media. "We hope and pray that he somehow survived despite all the odds. Just the thought of a life without him is unbearable."
Search Hampered by Avalanche Risk and Severe Weather
The extensive search operation has mobilised significant resources, including:
- A Black Hawk helicopter for aerial reconnaissance.
- Drones equipped with thermal imaging technology.
- Ground teams of rescue specialists with sniffer dogs.
Despite these efforts, the mission has been severely hampered by harsh winter conditions, including heavy snowfall. The search was temporarily suspended on Saturday, November 29, due to the high risk of avalanches in the area. It remains unclear if operations have fully resumed following any improvement in the weather.
Authorities have issued a public appeal for information. George is believed to have been wearing the jacket shown in a photograph released by his family. Anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately.
Newport (Salop) Rugby Club, where George is a much-loved member and former Colt, released a statement expressing deep concern. "He has always been part of the Newport rugby family, and this news has touched all of us. Our thoughts are with George, his family, and his friends during this incredibly worrying time," a club spokesperson said.
The community in Shropshire and the wider UK now waits anxiously for news, hoping for the safe return of the adventurous teen lost in the shadow of Dracula's Castle.
