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British Student Missing Near Bran Castle After Distress Call Reporting Hypothermia

British student George Smyth, 18, has been missing since Nov. 23 after a solo hike near Bran Castle in Romania. He made an evening distress call reporting hypothermia and exhaustion; rescuers later found only his rucksack containing camping gear. Local mountain rescue teams continue daily searches despite adverse weather, and the family has appealed for any information.

11:53 PM, 12/02/2025Society
British Student Missing Near Bran Castle After Distress Call Reporting Hypothermia

British student George Smyth, 18, has been missing since Nov. 23 after setting out alone on a hike in Romania’s Bucegi Mountains near Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. He left the Poiana Brașov area that morning intending to reach the village of Bran.

On the evening of Nov. 23 Smyth called Romania’s emergency number, 112, telling mountain rescue dispatchers he was suffering from hypothermia and exhaustion and requesting help. Rescue teams later located only his rucksack at the site of the call; the bag reportedly contained a sleeping bag, a tent and food, which has left searchers puzzled.

Search efforts and conditions

Local mountain rescue teams from Zărnești and Brașov launched daily searches immediately after the emergency call, adapting resources to difficult ground conditions. Teams say their work has been repeatedly hampered by bad weather and poor visibility, limiting access to some remote sectors.

Family and university statements

Smyth’s mother, Jo, travelled to Transylvania to assist with the search. She told reporters her son left university in the U.K. without informing the family and described his 112 call as "distressing." Family members have shared a photograph and appealed to the public for any information that could help locate him.

The University of Bristol confirmed it has been informed that a student is missing and said it is in close contact with the family and deeply concerned for his welfare.

Appeal for information

Rescuers and relatives ask anyone with information about George Smyth’s whereabouts to contact local authorities. Authorities note he was wearing the jacket shown in the public appeal when he went missing. Anyone in the area who saw a lone hiker after Nov. 23 or who has dashcam or trail-camera footage is asked to come forward to assist the search.

Key facts: Missing since Nov. 23; called 112 reporting hypothermia and exhaustion; rucksack recovered with equipment; searches ongoing but hampered by weather.

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