Search for teen in Romania hindered by risk of avalanche

Authorities have suspended the search for an 18-year-old student who went missing in Romania's mountains over a week ago due to high avalanche risk. Rescue operations are expected to resume on Thursday.

George Smyth, a University of Bristol student from Shropshire, has been unaccounted for since November 23 in the Bucegi Mountains, according to Braov Mountain Rescue. He reportedly disappeared after leaving Poiana Braov en route to Bran, known for Count Dracula's castle. Smyth later reached Tiganesti and contacted emergency services for assistance.

Sebastian Marinescu of the local mountain rescue team explained that the search teams plan to restart around 07:30 EET on Thursday. Operations were temporarily halted after seven days due to avalanche concerns. "The weather appears to be improving, but risks remain," Marinescu said.

Rescue teams are preparing to proceed on foot to the Mlieti area, where Smyth's backpack was located. "We aim to begin our ascent around 06:00, reaching the backpack site in about an hour and a half," Marinescu added. Ground search activities are expected to start between 07:00 and 07:30, weather permitting.

When Smyth called for help, he was reportedly disoriented, exhausted, and showing early signs of hypothermia. Marinescu described the terrain as highly isolated and difficult to access, with harsh weather including strong winds, heavy snow, and thick fog. Smyth had been advised to retrace his steps to avoid hypothermia, but apparently did not follow this guidance. "It remains unclear why he continued forward, especially with darkness arriving around 17:00," Marinescu noted.

Author: Gavin Porter