‘Hero’ hiker’s incredible survival after 13-days lost
Missing hiker Hadi Nazari survived on two muesli bars, wild alpine berries and creek water while lost for 13 days in the rugged Australian alps.
The 23-year-old medical student was reunited with loved ones after he was found by hikers on Wednesday afternoon near Blue Lake in Kosciuszko National Park.
He was found about 10 kilometres from where he went missing when he split from his group to take photos on Boxing Day.
Nazari was winched to the search command post and treated for dehydration before being taken to Cooma Hospital.
“Our specialist paramedics have had a look at him and he’s seemed in great condition,” said NSW Police Inspector John Broadfoot.
Access to fresh creek water was key to Nazari’s incredible survival in extreme summer conditions.
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He reportedly left a vital clue for searchers by recording a message on his camera and placing it on a remote track.
The Daily Telegraph says the message in another language said he was drinking water and apologised for going missing.
The search was ramped up when the camera was discovered on January 5.
Sister Zahra Nazari said the family was grateful he was safe and sound.
“We are grateful for everyone involved in helping us find my brother,” she said.
Two friends reported Nazari missing on Boxing Day after he didn’t turn up at Geehi campground as planned.
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He had last been seen descending the Hannels Spur trail near Geehi, between Khancoban and Thredbo, about 2.30pm on December 26.
His disappearance sparked a multi-agency air and ground search that involved up to 400 people, who were elated at him being found alive.
A group of hikers found Hadi Nazari on Wednesday. Photo: ABC
NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet said the spot where he was found was about 10 kilometres from the Geehi campground.
Nazari, who is studying to become a neurosurgeon at Melbourne University, told police he had barely eaten anything apart from two muesli bars since going missing.
“He found a hut up there in the mountains,” Spliet said in Wagga Wagga.
“There were two muesli bars up there that he’s eaten and that’s pretty much all that he’s had to consume over the last two weeks.”
Nazari also foraged for berries and fresh water and had been walking “from morning to night”, Broadfoot said.
There were signs the experienced bushwalker was alive after rubbish, hiking poles, a campfire, lighter and camera belonging to him were found during the search.
After he checks out of hospital, police plan to speak to Nazari as early as Thursday to glean more information about how he became lost and how he survived the 13-day ordeal.
– with AAP
