Searches for Shropshire teen missing in Romanian mountains for over a week
George Smyth was last seen on Sunday evening (23rd November)
Last updated 18 hours ago
Searches for a teenager from Shropshire who was last seen in the Bucegi Mountains in Romania are continuing.
18-year-old George Smyth was last seen on Sunday morning (23rd November) at Poiana Brașov in Romania.
George called the emergency number 112 for support whilst in Țigănești.
He reported feeling cold, which emergency services believed to be the possible onset of hypothermia.
Mountain rescuers advised him to continue walking along a marked trail to Mălăiești Chalet.
Aerial equipment and drones that night and the morning after were unable to be used due to weather conditions.
Salvamont Brașov, a Romanian rescue service, say searches are ongoing and are urging anyone with information to contact them.
Despite snowy weather conditions, rescuers are continuing to search on foot.
George's local rugby club say they are "deeply concerned" and that he was a "much-loved member" of the club.
A spokesperson for Newport Salop RUFC said, "Everyone at Newport (Salop) RUFC is deeply concerned to hear that George Smyth has been reported missing while hiking the Bucegi Mountain range in Romania.
"George is a much-loved member of our club. He grew up through our junior section, represented our Colts last season, and has often given his time wholeheartedly to help coach our younger age groups. 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. As a club and a rugby family, we are holding onto hope that George is found safe and well, and hope that the ongoing search efforts in Romania bring positive news soon.
"We ask everyone to keep George and the Smyth family in their hearts, and we will share verified updates where appropriate as we all pray for his safe return."
A spokesperson from his former school, Haberdashers' Adams, said, "We are deeply concerned and saddened to learn that our much-loved and cherished former student, George Smyth, has been reported missing while hiking in the Bucegi Mountain Range in Romania. We are doing our utmost to support the family."