An Australian hiker, 23-year-old Hadi Nazari, has been found alive after being missing for nearly two weeks in Kosciuszko National Park. Nazari, a medical student from Victoria, was last seen on December 26, 2024, as he separated from his friends to take photos while descending the Hannels Spur Trail. When he failed to meet up with them at their campsite, his friends raised the alarm, sparking a large-scale search operation.
On Wednesday afternoon, Nazari was discovered near Blue Lake by a group of hikers. The young man, who had been lost for over two weeks, approached the hikers, explaining that he was thirsty and had been stranded in the wilderness. They immediately contacted emergency services, and he was airlifted to safety. After being assessed by paramedics, he was transported to a hospital for a full medical examination.
Despite his ordeal, Nazari was reported to be in good health. During the search, authorities learned that he had survived on a sparse diet of muesli bars and berries and had accessed water from nearby creeks. He also found shelter in a mountain hut, where he discovered two muesli bars, which he ate to sustain himself.
Police began their search on December 27, after Nazari was officially reported missing. Over the following days, authorities found items linked to him, including hiking poles, a campfire, and a camera. The discovery of these items, along with extensive search efforts involving rescue teams, led to the positive outcome of his rescue.
The Riverina Police praised the collaborative efforts of emergency responders, volunteers, and the public in locating Nazari.
