Romanian rescuers are actively searching for a Ukrainian man who has been wandering unsuccessfully in the mountainous regions of Maramureș for several days
On Sunday, April 20th, the SPJ Salvamont Maramureș rescue service launched a large-scale operation to find a Ukrainian tourist who went missing in the Maramureș Mountains. The incident caused concern not only among local authorities but also within the entire Ukrainian community, as it involves a Ukrainian citizen currently without communication or assistance in the highlands. According to rescuers, a man approximately 40 years old was spotted several days ago near the Pipa Iovan Maramureș Pass from the Romanian side. In the evening, he called the emergency service requesting help, citing that he was unfamiliar with the mountain terrain, and that his water and food supplies were running out. Given the situation, he was strongly advised to stay in place and not move to facilitate the search. However, for unknown reasons, the man did not follow these recommendations and disappeared from the rescue team's radar. Following the phone call, the SPJ Salvamont Maramureș rapid response team began active search operations. Soon, the first group of specialists headed to the site of the disappearance, utilizing technical equipment and mountain rescue skills. They are diligently examining the surrounding area in an effort to locate the tourist and determine his whereabouts. This case is not an isolated incident in a series of recent events involving Ukrainians in the Romanian mountains. As early as December 2024, Romanian rescuers received a distress signal from three Ukrainian travelers who found themselves in very difficult conditions in the Maramureș mountain area. They were rescued within a day, and during the rescue operation, a 28-year-old Ukrainian who had fled mobilization with a small kitten and got lost in the snow-covered valleys was also saved. This series of incidents underscores how dangerous the still uncharted and unpredictable mountain environments can be, especially for tourists from other countries. In the Romanian Maramureș, every step can pose a serious threat without proper preparation and attention to safety. Currently, search efforts continue in harsh climatic conditions, and rescuers are urging all tourists to be extremely cautious, follow safety recommendations, carry necessary supplies, and use navigation tools. The Ukrainian man seeking his way home is a symbol of the risks and challenges faced by travelers in mountain regions. Shared responsibility and caution are key to ensuring safety for everyone aiming to conquer the peaks.