Mountain rescue team resumes search for hiker
George Smyth, a University of Bristol student, has been missing in the Bucegi Mountains since November.
Mountain rescue teams in Romania have resumed their search for George Smyth, a university student from Newport in Shropshire, who went missing in November. Smyth disappeared on November 23 while hiking in the Bucegi Mountains.
Prior to his disappearance, Smyth had contacted rescuers from Tiganesti, reporting that he was disoriented and physically exhausted. On Wednesday, rescue teams stated they had again searched "previously indicated areas, under rock walls, in grates and in the hard-to-reach sectors" without success. His family has expressed their acceptance that they will "no longer see him, speak to him or hold him in our arms."
The University of Bristol student is believed to have traveled from Poiana Brașov towards Bran, reaching Tiganesti where he made an emergency call. At the time, rescuers described his location as a "very isolated and hard-to-access mountain area" with severe weather conditions including strong winds, heavy snowfall, and dense fog.
Previous searches, which included a canine unit, drones, and helicopters, were hindered by adverse weather and avalanche risks. However, Smyth's backpack containing his possessions was discovered.
In a social media post, search teams confirmed they had been repeatedly checking his last known area and continuing to use drones. They noted that "vegetation and terrain configuration greatly limit aerial visibility, and thermovision can no longer provide relevant results after the long interval of time." Consequently, recent inspections have focused on "the field and areas hidden from view."
"Unfortunately, no new hints have been identified even after today's checks," the post stated, adding, "The case remains in our attention, and any relevant information will be checked responsibly."
In January, Smyth's family, who were unaware of his mountain trip, described the events as "cruel beyond belief" and acknowledged they must now accept his loss. They added, "When the mountains that took him are ready to let go, George will be found, and we will bring him home to say goodbye."