'Avalanche risk' as searches for missing teen in Romania continue

Searches for a missing Shropshire teenager in the Romanian mountains have been affected by snowy weather conditions, with mountain rescuers concerned about an avalanche risk.

18-year-old George Smyth, a student at the University of Bristol, was last seen on Sunday 23rd November at Poiana Brașov in Romania.

He was reportedly hiking in the Bucegi Romanian mountains when he called 112 over concerns he was cold.

Emergency services believed it to be the possible onset of hypothermia.

Mountain rescuers from Salvamont Brașov say they have searched all areas that could be covered safely, from Brașov, Râșnov, Predeal, and Victoria, but have found no indication of George.

Deep packed snow means rescuers are unable to dig through for clues.

Sebastian Marinescu from the Salvamont Brașov team said, "Weather conditions remain extremely difficult. The snowpack is unstable, and assessments indicate a level 4 avalanche risk, which makes it impossible to carry out operations without endangering the lives of the rescuers.

"In several sectors of the valley, the snow exceeds two meters. Under these circumstances, digging and moving through exposed areas would represent an unacceptable risk for the intervention teams.

"We want to state with full clarity and responsibility that this case is not being abandoned. Salvamont Brașov never abandons an operation and never gives up on any missing person, regardless of nationality or the circumstances of the accident.

"Our thoughts are with George’s family, who are going through a period of pain that is difficult to put into words. We remain in constant contact with them, we understand their suffering, and we extend our deepest compassion.

"We remain fully committed and ready to resume operations as soon as conditions allow."

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