Search operations for the British teenager who vanished close to Dracula’s castle have been suspended again (Picture: Salvamont Brașov County Service)
The search for the missing British teenager who vanished near Dracula’s Castle in Romania has been suspended again.
Mountain rescuers from the Salvamont Brașov County Service braved harsh weather to search for 18-year-old George Smyth, who went missing on a hike on November 23.
After reaching the Tiganesti Valley, George used his last bit of signal to call emergency services and said he was suffering from exhaustion and hypothermia.
It was initially thought George vanished on his way to Bran, the site of an iconic castle linked to the fictional Count Dracula.
But on Thursday the mountain rescue service said there was no information to show Mr Smyth was heading towards the castle.
This morning, 17 people restarted the search for the missing University of Bristol student in the Tiganesti Valley.
Daily search operations have already been hindered by dangerous weather and heavy snow, and have now been suspended again after assessments indicated a level-4 avalanche risk.
18-year-old George Smyth has been missing since November 23 (Picture: SalvamontBrasov)
In parts of the valley, snow exceeds two metres, making digging or moving into exposed areas an ‘unacceptable risk’ for rescuers.
Salvamont Brașov County Service said in a statement on Facebook: ‘We would like to emphasise with all clarity and responsibility that this case is not abandoned.
‘Contrary to some rumours that have appeared online, Salvamont Brasov never abandons an operation and does not give up on any missing person, regardless of nationality or how the accident occurred.
‘Also, all actions are treated with the same seriousness, and all necessary resources are allocated.
‘The suspension is temporary due to the major danger generated by the current weather conditions.
‘Once the weather stabilises and the snow layer is considerably reduced, the searches will resume without delay.’
During the winter, patrolling activities in the area are regular and will continue when it is safe to do so.
Digging or moving into exposed areas is an unacceptable risk for rescuers at the moment due to weather conditions (Picture: Salvamont Brașov County Service)
Salvamont Brașov County Service’s statement continued: ‘In the event that new information emerges, if George’s phone is located, or if any conclusive elements are identified, we will intervene immediately and move to the exact coordinates to resume the search.
‘At this moment, it is impossible to remove and dig all the snow in the Gypsy Valley.
‘Our thoughts are with George’s family as they go through a time of sorrow that is hard to put into words.
‘We are constantly connected with them, we understand their suffering and convey our full compassion.
‘Wish we could have gone on longer today, but battling the weather and the mountain imposes limits we cannot overcome without exposing other lives to real danger.’
Authorities stated that the keen rugby player and explorer reported ‘feeling cold and a possible onset of hypothermia’, so rescuers advised him to continue moving along the marked trail towards the Malaiesti Chalet.
‘Remaining stationary in blizzard conditions, fog, and low temperatures would have accelerated heat loss,’ he said.
His mother Jo flew out to join the search and has thanked rescuers for their help.
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She told local media: ‘His phone last had signal in a remote mountain area. He made a distressing call to 112 on Sunday evening. The teams found his backpack in the same place from where he called for help within a few hours.
‘I flew to Romania immediately, and we are trying to support the search teams as best we can.’
His local MP Kerry McCarthy said on Facebook: ‘George has been missing since the 23rd of November, after setting out to hike between Poiana Brasov and Bran. He contacted the authorities to ask for help that day, having reached the Tiganesti valley.
‘My thoughts are with his family and friends. I have written to the Foreign Secretary to ensure that his family are given all possible support and would encourage the Romanian authorities to do everything they can to find him.’
How to stave off hypothermia
Watch for early warning signs:
- Intense shivering
- Numb hands
- Confusion or clumsiness
- Slurred speech
- Trouble zipping clothing or using gear
What to do:
- Drink something warm if possible
- Add layers, get out of wet clothes
- Shelter from wind and rain
- Eat a high-energy snack (chocolate, nuts, energy bar)
- Keep moving gently, not intensely
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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