An urgent search is underway for a teenager from the Midlands who has been missing for more than a week in the mountains of Romania.
Teenager's Disappearance During Hike
George Smyth, an 18-year-old from Shropshire, was reported missing after he asked for help while hiking in the Bucegi Mountain range. He was last seen on Sunday, November 23, and despite extensive daily search operations, he has not been located.
According to Romanian rescue service Salvamont Brașov, George began his hike from Poiana Brașov on the morning of November 23, with the destination of Bran. He is known to have passed through the Diham - Tache Ionescu area and later reached the Șigănești zone. It was from this area that he made a distress call to the emergency number 112.
Community Holds Onto Hope
George's local rugby club, Newport (Salop) RUFC, has shared an emotional appeal for his safe return. The club described him as a much-loved member who grew up through their junior section and represented their Colts team last season.
"Everyone at Newport (Salop) RUFC is deeply concerned," a club spokesperson said. "He has often given his time wholeheartedly to help coach our younger age groups. This news has touched all of us. As a club and a rugby family, we are holding onto hope that George is found safe and well."
The club has asked the community to keep George and his family in their thoughts and pledged to share verified updates.
Ongoing Search Efforts
In an update on Friday, November 28, Salvamont Brașov confirmed that search operations have been conducted daily since his disappearance. The rescue service stated that resources have been "permanently adapted to ground conditions" but that George has not yet been found.
The family has released a photo of George, noting he was wearing the jacket shown in the image at the time of his disappearance. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen him or who has any relevant information to contact Salvamont Brașov or the nearest police station immediately.
The desperate search continues as friends, family, and rescue teams cling to the hope of finding the missing Shropshire teenager alive and well.
