A hiker has been found nearly two weeks after he went missing in New South Wales mountains on Boxing Day – having survived by eating two muesli bars and foraging for berries.
Hadi Nazari, 23, was located after attracting the attention of hikers near Blue Lake in Kosciuszko National Park at 3.15pm local time (4.15am UK time) on Wednesday, New South Wales police said.
It came after a 13-day multi-agency search involving more than 300 people in the park in southeastern Australia, the force added.
Mr Nazari was winched from the area to a command post that was established during the search before he was assisted by paramedics.
New South Wales Police Inspector Josh Broadfoot told reporters that the experienced hiker has been taken to hospital with “no significant injuries” and is in “really good spirits”.
He added that Mr Nazari survived by drinking water from creeks and foraging for berries.
Inspector Broadfoot also said the hiker told officers he ate two muesli bars that he “found in a hut” while he was lost.
Mr Nazari had last been seen by friends descending the Hannels Spur Trail in the Snowy Mountains at about 2.30pm local time (3:30am UK time) on Thursday 26 December.
The hiker, reported to be a University of Melbourne student, had decided to split off from the group and agreed to meet up with them later at a campsite.
However, when he failed to arrive the two friends, aged 23 and 24, began searching for him.
Police were alerted at around 8.45pm local time (9.45am UK time) and began looking for the hiker by vehicle and foot while assisted by the State Emergency Service (SES), a government agency that provides assistance during major incidents.
A command post was established the following day and a multi-agency search commenced involving police, the fire service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and aerial support helicopters.
Hiking poles and litter believed to have belonged to Mr Nazari were found near the Kosciuszko River on Tuesday 31 December.
It came days before a campfire, lighter, camera and camera bag were located near the Geehi River on Sunday 5 December.
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During the search, police said in an update that while there were concerns for Mr Nazari’s welfare, he is an experienced hiker who had camping equipment with him.
Inspector Broadfoot has thanked emergency services for their contributions over the past two weeks.
“This is an incredible outcome, after 13 long days he has been located. We want to thank our emergency services partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public for their assistance.
“We never gave up hope of finding him, and we are elated we can return him safely to his family.”
