Intensive Search Underway for British Teen Missing Near Romania's "Dracula's Castle"
An intensive search is underway in Romania's Bucegi Mountains for 18-year-old British climber George Smyth, who vanished on November 23 near the iconic Bran Castle, often dubbed "Dracula's Castle." Smyth, an experienced climber, arrived in Romania the day prior but reportedly embarked on a solo, strenuous 15-mile mountain trek from Poiana Brașov towards Bran Castle, a journey typically requiring two to three days.
A Series of Perplexing Decisions
Rescuers describe the case as a "very strange case" due to a series of perplexing decisions made by Smyth. By mid-afternoon on November 23, investigators believe he reached the Diham area. Hours later, around 11 p.m., while leaving Valea Țigănești, he placed a desperate emergency call, reporting exhaustion and hypothermia. This was the last time his voice was heard.
The timeline raises significant questions. Sebastian Marinescu, chief of the rescue service, highlighted that despite the route not being technically difficult, Smyth chose an unusually long path during late November, when darkness descends by 5 p.m. and the weather turns treacherous with rain, fog, and sleet.
Bypassing Shelter: A Crucial Mystery
Perhaps the most confounding detail is Smyth's apparent passing near the Mălăiești Chalet between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. — a mountain refuge that was open and offered shelter, roughly five hours' walk from Bran Castle. Marinescu expressed bafflement, stating, "I do not understand why he didn’t stop if he saw that the weather was terrible... it was totally unsuitable for someone to go up the mountain. Especially on such a long route, alone, at night."
Search teams later discovered his backpack containing a sleeping bag and a stove – essential equipment that could have provided crucial warmth. "I don’t know why he didn’t use them to keep warm," Marinescu remarked. During his emergency call, operators advised him to return to the chalet, a recommendation he seemingly did not follow.
Challenging Conditions and Lingering Hope
Since Smyth's disappearance, search efforts have been severely hampered by extreme weather, including high avalanche risks, forcing temporary suspensions. His belongings were found near Tiganesti, where he made his final call. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is supporting his family and liaising with local authorities.
George's mother, Jo, maintains daily contact with rescuers, clinging to hope. "We are hoping and praying he's somehow survived this, against all odds, as the thought of life without him is unbearable," she shared. The Bucegi Mountains are known for their unforgiving nature, having claimed hikers before, some never to be found.
Beyond the Myth: A Real Tragedy
While the dramatic backdrop of "Dracula's Castle" adds an eerie dimension to the story, the reality is one of profound human concern. The legend thrives on the unknown, but George Smyth's disappearance is a tangible tragedy, leaving a family grappling with unanswered questions and a desperate wait for news.
