Search for teen in Romanian mountains paused again

The search for a teenager who went missing in mountains in Romania 12 days ago has been suspended again due to adverse weather conditions.

George Smyth, 18, a University of Bristol student from Shropshire, has been missing in the Bucegi Mountains since 23 November, according to Brașov mountain rescue. He was reportedly hiking.

No objects belonging to him were identified during a search on Thursday, nor any other clues that might indicate a possible place where he could have taken shelter, the service stated.

It added that while assessments indicated "a level 4 avalanche risk, which makes it impossible to carry out operations without endangering" rescuers' lives, efforts would not be abandoned.

Director Sebastian Marinescu said the service remained "fully committed and ready to resume operations as soon as conditions allow".

A week ago, the service said that according to the information it had, Mr Smyth - who went to Haberdashers' Adams school in Newport - left on the morning of 23 November from Poiana Brașov and reached the Tiganesti area, where he asked for support via an emergency number.

Seventeen people resumed a previously-suspended search in the Tiganesti Valley area on Thursday morning, but operations were again called off that evening.

Mr Marinescu said rescuers from Brașov, Râșnov, Predeal and Victoria had covered all areas that could be accessed safely.

Weather conditions remained "extremely difficult", and in several sectors of the valley, snow exceeded 2m and "digging and moving through exposed areas would represent an unacceptable risk".

The director said: "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".

Mr Marinescu added if the Shropshire man's phone was located "or if conclusive elements are identified, we will move immediately to the exact coordinates to resume the search".

But he stated that at this time it was "impossible to clear and dig through all the snow" in the Tiganesti Valley.

He said the service's thoughts were with the student's family and it remained in constant contact with them.

On Sunday, Newport Salop RUFC stated Mr Smyth was "a much-loved member" of the club and everybody there was "deeply concerned" to hear he had been reported missing while hiking the Bucegi mountain range.

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