Large-Scale Search Operation for Missing Tourist in Central Balkan National Park
A major rescue operation is underway in the area of Mount Golyam Kademlia in Central Balkan National Park following a report of a missing tourist.
Yesterday around 10:00 a.m., the Park Directorate received information from the man’s relatives that they had been unable to contact him for several days. According to their account, the tourist set off on Saturday from the “Partizanska Pesen” hut toward the “Mazalat” hut, intending to continue to the “Tazha” hut. He was last seen near the “Mazalat” hut, where he mentioned that he planned to spend the night at the “Golyam Kademlia” shelter and continue his hike the following day.
The lack of contact over several days prompted his relatives to file a missing person report.
Yesterday’s weather conditions in the mountains — strong winds exceeding 150 km/h and heavy snowfall — made it impossible to begin active rescue efforts. Today, however, a large joint operation is underway involving staff from both the northern and southern divisions of the Park Directorate, as well as several teams from the Mountain Rescue Service. The search also includes the park’s equipment — UTV and ATV vehicles, which facilitate movement in difficult and snow-covered terrain, as well as a drone.
The Director of Central Balkan National Park, Georgi Krastev, expressed hope that the man may have reached the shelter, which would give him a chance to survive the harsh winter conditions.
The park’s management hopes for a positive outcome and urges hikers to closely monitor weather forecasts and undertake mountain hikes only under suitable conditions and with proper preparation.
