Missing hiker found after 13 days in Australian mountains

A medical student missing for nearly two weeks in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia, has been found alive. 

According to BBC, Hadi Nazari, 23, survived by foraging for berries and consuming two muesli bars.

Mr Nazari disappeared on Boxing Day while hiking in Kosciuszko National Park. He had wandered off to take photos but failed to return to the campground where he was due to meet his friends. His disappearance sparked a large-scale search effort involving hundreds of volunteers, including his friends and family.

The hiker was discovered around 15:15 local time (04:15 GMT) on Wednesday near Blue Lake, approximately 10 kilometres from the campground. Superintendent Andrew Spliet told reporters that Mr Nazari called out to other hikers, saying he was lost and thirsty.

Emergency services were contacted, and Mr Nazari was airlifted to the search command post by helicopter. Paramedics assessed him at the scene before he was taken to a hospital.

“He’s in good health—alert, able to speak, and had no significant injuries,” Superintendent Spliet confirmed. The two muesli bars, found in a hut, were “pretty much all that he’s had to consume over the last two weeks,” Spliet said, adding that Mr Nazari also relied on creek water and foraged berries.

His family, who embraced him at the search base camp, told 9News: “It is the happiest day of our lives.”

Superintendent Spliet noted that Mr Nazari had covered significant ground over the 13 days. Authorities plan to follow up with him once he is discharged from the hospital.

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