The desperate search for a British teenager who vanished in the Romanian mountains close to the iconic Dracula's Castle has been suspended for a second time, as rescuers face extreme weather and a severe avalanche threat.
Search Halted by Extreme Conditions
Mountain rescue teams from the Salvamont Brașov County Service have been forced to call off operations for 18-year-old George Smyth, a University of Bristol student who disappeared while hiking on November 23. The latest suspension follows a fresh assessment that revealed a level-4 avalanche risk in the area where he was last known to be.
George's last known contact was a distress call to emergency services from the remote Tiganesti Valley (also known as Gypsy Valley). He reported suffering from exhaustion and the onset of hypothermia. Although it was initially believed he was heading towards Bran Castle – famously linked to Bram Stoker's Count Dracula – rescuers have since stated there is no information confirming he was travelling in that direction.
Rescuers Battle 'Unacceptable Risk'
Daily search efforts have been repeatedly hampered by dangerous winter conditions. In parts of the valley, snow now exceeds two metres in depth, making any digging or movement into exposed areas an "unacceptable risk" for the rescue teams. A statement from Salvamont Brașov emphasised that the suspension is purely temporary and due to the "major danger" of the current weather.
"We would like to emphasise with all clarity and responsibility that this case is not abandoned," the service posted on Facebook. "Salvamont Brasov never abandons an operation and does not give up on any missing person... The suspension is temporary."
The statement added that patrols in the area are regular during winter and will continue when safe. Rescuers remain on standby to intervene immediately if new information emerges, such as if George's phone is located.
A Family's Agony and Official Support
The rescue service expressed its deep compassion for George's family, stating their thoughts are with them during "a time of sorrow that is hard to put into words." George's mother, Jo, flew to Romania immediately after his disappearance to support the search. She confirmed that his backpack was found within hours of his distress call in the same remote mountain area.
"I flew to Romania immediately, and we are trying to support the search teams as best we can," she told local media.
George's local MP, Kerry McCarthy, has also become involved, writing to the Foreign Secretary to ensure his family receives all possible support. She has urged the Romanian authorities to do everything in their power to find him.
Authorities revealed that during his final call, the keen rugby player and explorer was advised to keep moving gently along the marked trail towards the Malaiesti Chalet to stave off hypothermia, as remaining stationary in blizzard conditions would have accelerated heat loss.
For now, the mountain holds its secret, with rescuers vowing to return to the search "without delay" once the weather stabilises and the snow layer reduces.
