The search for George Smyth, an 18-year-old British student from Shropshire, has gripped both the UK and Romania as rescue teams battle treacherous conditions in the Bucegi Mountains. Smyth, a University of Bristol undergraduate and beloved member of Newport Salop Rugby Club, vanished on November 23, 2025, after setting out alone for a hike from Poiana Brașov toward Bran, the village famed for its Dracula-associated castle.
According to BBC and multiple corroborating sources, George’s disappearance triggered an immediate and extensive search operation. The young man, described by his mother Jo Smyth as “sporty and strong,” had made an emergency call to Romania’s 112 line from Tiganesti Valley, reporting exhaustion and symptoms of hypothermia. The call was made from a remote area at more than 6,500 feet above sea level, a region notorious for sudden weather changes and dangerous terrain, especially as winter tightens its grip on the Carpathians.
Mountain rescue teams, led by Salvamont Brașov, responded swiftly. Over the following days, more than 20 rescuers scoured the mountainside, aided by a Black Hawk helicopter, sniffer dogs, and drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras. Yet, as Sebastian Marinescu, director of Salvamont Brașov, explained to Yahoo News, “Our teams still cannot enter the field safely. The snowpack currently exceeds two metres, making it impossible to excavate the entire affected area without putting rescue personnel in serious danger.” The search was subsequently paused for several days, and possibly weeks, due to the high risk of avalanches and adverse weather conditions.
Despite these setbacks, the determination to find George has not waned. “Finding George and supporting his family remain absolute priorities for us,” Marinescu emphasized. The search area, stretching from Poiana Brașov through the Diham-Tache Ionescu area and into Tiganesti Valley, has proven challenging even for seasoned rescuers. The terrain is steep and forested, with deep snow and rapidly shifting fog banks complicating every step. November and early December are known for their harsh, unpredictable weather in this part of Romania, often turning a scenic hike into a perilous ordeal.
George’s family has been at the forefront of the search. His mother, Jo Smyth, flew to Romania immediately after learning of his disappearance. In an interview with the Telegraph, she shared her anguish: “He was a sporty and strong young man, and travelled a lot with us and his friends. He loved the mountains. We hope and pray that he somehow survived despite all the odds. Just the thought of a life without him is unbearable.” She told local news site Observator, “He left his university in the United Kingdom on Sunday without telling us, to go hiking alone. 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.”
The only physical clue so far has been George’s rucksack, discovered near the location of his emergency call. The bag contained a sleeping bag, tent, and food—supplies that might have helped him survive the initial hours of his distress. Yet, as Marinescu told local media, “We don’t understand what happened and where he could have gone.” The backpack was handed over to police, but no further trace of George has been found despite thorough searches using all available technology.
George’s disappearance has struck a chord back home in Shropshire. Newport Salop Rugby Club, where he grew up through the junior ranks and played for the Colts last season, posted heartfelt messages on Facebook. “He has always been part of the Newport rugby family, and this news has touched all of us,” the club said. “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.”
The University of Bristol also expressed deep concern for its student. A spokesperson told BBC, “We’ve been informed that one of our students has been reported missing after independently travelling to Romania to go hiking. We are deeply concerned for his welfare and are in close contact with his family. Our thoughts are with them as they await any updates.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed it is supporting the Smyth family and is in contact with Romanian authorities. “We are supporting the family of a British man who is missing in Romania and are in contact with the local authorities,” an FCDO spokesperson told Yahoo News.
The search for George has been marked by both technological innovation and community solidarity. In a first for local rescue operations, Salvamont Brașov deployed a Black Hawk helicopter to shuttle intervention teams into the most inaccessible parts of the massif. Drones with thermal cameras swept the area for signs of life, while search dogs retraced George’s likely route. Yet, as Marinescu acknowledged, “Unfortunately, these efforts have not led to the identification of relevant new information so far.”
Officials remain hopeful but realistic about the dangers. The Bucegi Mountains, part of the high Carpathian range, are infamous for their unpredictable weather. Rescue teams have warned that hypothermia can set in within minutes if a hiker is unprotected or exhausted, and the current snowpack, exceeding two meters in places, poses a severe avalanche risk. Operations have been suspended for the safety of the rescue personnel, but teams are prepared to resume as soon as conditions allow.
The search has also become a rallying point for the wider community. The Salvamont Brașov rescue service, at the family’s request, shared George’s photo and urged anyone with information to come forward. “We ask all persons who have seen him or who has any relevant information to urgently contact Salvamont Brașov or go to the nearest police station,” the service posted.
As of December 2, 2025, there have been no new breakthroughs. The outpouring of support from George’s rugby club, university, and the broader public underscores the impact of his disappearance. While the search is currently on hold due to weather, the resolve to find George and bring closure to his loved ones remains unwavering.
For now, the mountains hold their secrets, but the hope endures that George Smyth will be found, and that his story will serve as a reminder of both the beauty and peril of adventure—and the enduring strength of community in the face of uncertainty.