"Miracle" in the wilderness

Lost hiker found alive after 13 days

The missing man had become separated from his friends during a hike in Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains and was unable to find his way back. He wandered around in the wilderness for 13 days before he was found by other hikers.

(Bild: Kristyna – stock.adobe.com, NSW Police)

A lost hiker (23) was found alive after 13 days in a huge mountain region in south-eastern Australia. According to his own statements, Hadi Nazari had only eaten two muesli bars during the entire time, which he had discovered in an abandoned hut. 

The young man is said to be in good physical and mental health. "This is an incredible outcome, after 13 long days he has been found," a statement from police inspector Josh Broadfoot said. Australian media spoke of a "miracle".

Hundreds of emergency services searched for man
Around 300 emergency services had been tirelessly searching for the man since December 26. He had become separated from his two friends during a hike in Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains to take photos. The area is huge - 6700 square kilometers of fantastic terrain for hikers and skiers.

Video of the hiker's rescue:

They notified the authorities when he later failed to show up at an agreed meeting point at a campsite. "We never gave up hope of finding him and are overjoyed that we were able to return him safely to his family," emphasizes Broadfoot.

Hiking poles and trash, which authorities believed belonged to the missing man, had been found near Kosciuszko Creek on New Year's Eve. On Sunday, search crews discovered camera equipment near a campfire site on the Geehi River. As a result, the emergency services were still convinced that there was hope.

Hadi Nazari

(Bild: NSW Police)

Found by other hikers
The man was eventually found near the Blue Lakes by other hikers. Nazari had shouted to them that he was lost in the bush and thirsty, a police spokesperson explained. The group then called the emergency services.

According to reports, the student is said to have kept himself alive by drinking water from streams. No further details of his struggle to survive in the wilderness were initially released.

The rescued man has since been examined by doctors and reunited with family members who, according to the police, are "very, very happy" and thanked the emergency services for their efforts.