Rescuers search for Shropshire teen missing in Romanian mountains

Shropshire teenager George Smyth, aged 18, was reported missing while hiking near Brașov on the evening of Sunday, November 23.

Romanian mountain rescue service Salvamont Brașov said search operations had been conducted daily to find George, a member of Newport's rugby club and former pupil at Haberdashers' Adams.

According to their information, George left from Poiana Brașov, which is near Dracula's Castle, on Sunday morning, aiming to reach Bran. 

George was recorded as crossing the Diham-Tache Ionescu area and reaching the Tiganesti valley, where he reportedly contacted the 112 emergency line requesting assistance due to exhaustion and hypothermia.

An update on social media stated that a backpack with equipment had been found during the search and subsequently handed to police. 

A translated post issued on Saturday (November 29) by the rescue organisation said: "We assure the family has our full support and that we are making all necessary efforts to find George as soon as possible."

A spokesperson from Newport's rugby club, of which George is a member, said: "Everyone at Newport (Salop) RUFC is deeply concerned to hear that George Smyth has been reported missing while hiking the Bucegi Mountain range in Romania.

"George is a much-loved member of our club. He grew up through our junior section, represented our Colts last season, and has often given his time wholeheartedly to help coach our younger age groups. 

"He has always been part of the Newport rugby family, and this news has touched all of us. 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.

"We ask everyone to keep George and the Smyth family in their hearts."