A 23-year-old hiker missing since Boxing Day has been found alive in the remote Kosciuszko National Park.
Police confirmed Wednesday that Hadi Nazari was found alive.
Hikers found Nazari outside the Circuit Walk near Blue Lake around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, police said in a statement. Nazari was pulled out and examined by paramedics.
Nazari was last seen by friends at around 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 while descending the Hannels Spur Trail in Kosciuszko National Park.
When they failed to arrive at Geehi campsite as planned, two friends, aged 23 and 24, began searching.
A multi-government search for Nazari involving more than 300 people began, and on December 31, trash and climbing poles believed to belong to him were found near the Kosciuszko River. On January 5th, a bonfire, lighter, camera, and camera bag were found near the Geehi River.
Riverina Police District Inspector Josh Broadfoot said it was an “unbelievable result”.
“We would like to thank our emergency services partners, volunteers and the public for their support. We never gave up hope of finding him and are very pleased that we were able to safely return him to his family.” he said.
The Hunnel Spur trail is one of the toughest climbs in Australia. bushwalking advicehikers gain 1,800 meters of elevation.
This will continue in the future.
