Police in Australia said they “never gave up hope” of finding Hadi Nazari, 23, who managed to survive in outback bushland for nearly two weeks after eating little more than two muesli bars
A hiker who was missing for nearly two weeks in Australian bushland managed to survive on just two muesli bars before being rescued.
Hadi Nazari, 23, was last seen at about 2:30pm on Boxing Day as he hiked through the Kosciuszko National Park, in south west Australia, before his rescue. He was found on Wednesday after he called out to passing hikers. Riverina Police District Commander Superintendent Andrew Spliet told reporters during a press conference: “My understanding is that there was a group of hikers in the area. He called out to them and disclosed who he was, and [said] that he’d been lost in the bush.”
The hiker was found in good health despite having only eaten two muesli bars in a hut during his 13 days in the bushland. Police said Hadi’s fitness and hiking experience likely helped him to survive. Images taken following his rescue show Hadi hugging friends and family. He was then taken to hospital for checks with police adding more details about how he survived the bushland and his subsequent rescue would be shared.
Spliet added Hadi had only eaten the two muesli bars and “that’s pretty much all he’s had to consume over the last two weeks.” The officer added: “He’s been reunited with his family who are very, very, happy to have him back.”
According to News.com.au, around 300 people were involved in the search that found rubbish and hiking poles believed to belong to Hadi that were found close to the Kosciuszko River on New Year’s Eve. Hadi had been moving down along the Hannels Spur tail between Khancoban and Thredbo and had been expecting to meet his friends at the Geehi campground, but he failed to turn up.
Kosciuszko National Park covers a 2.3 square mile area in New South Wales and is popular with hikers for its stunning scenery and challenging trails. Riverina Police District Inspector Josh Broadfoot praised emergency services for their work.
He added: “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.”
