Hadi Nazari sparked a major search and rescue operation after he vanished while walking along a hiking trail on December 26 – and managed to survive by eating just two muesli bars
A hiker who had been missing for nearly four weeks called his family after being found and immediately shared four words with them.
Hadi Nazari, 23, went missing in Kosciuszko National Park, in New South Wales, Australia, on December 26 and sparked a major search and rescue operation. Despite being lost for 13 days, he managed to survive by eating just two muesli bars found in a hut that he ate to sustain himself through the ordeal.
He was found on Wednesday when several hikers came across him as he called out for help. His sister Zahra Nazari said her brother shared four words with the family to let them know he was safe. “I’m found, I’m alive,” he said. She told nine.com.au: “Happiest moment of my life, literally couldn’t ask god for anything better than that.”
Zahra went on to praise everyone involved in the search as well as the hikers who found him who she called “angels.” She added: “I stand before you today with a heart full of relief, thankfulness, gratitude and profound appreciation for the remarkable work done by the search and rescue team to find my brother,” she said.
“The extent of what you have done is beyond words. Time seemed to stop when we found out our brother was missing and every second seemed to drag on forever.” Hadi is now recovering in hospital and is expected to return home in the coming days. He shared a statement from hospital expressing his gratitude to rescuers and his fellow hikers.
“I would like to thank everyone who has wished me well in my recovery and prayed for me,” he said. “I am very grateful for the rescuers and volunteers involved in searching for me, may God bless them all. I cannot thank everyone enough.”
According to News.com.au, around 300 people were involved in the search for Hadi. The hiker had been moving 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.
Riverina Police District Inspector Josh Broadfoot praised emergency services for their work in helping find Hadi. 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.”
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.