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Lost Hiker Rescued After Surviving 13 Days Alone in the Australian Wilderness

A 23-year-old hiker, Hadi Nazari, was found alive after nearly two weeks missing in Kosciuszko National Park, Australia, having survived on minimal rations.

By Sara RubergSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Lost Hiker Rescued After Surviving 13 Days Alone in the Australian Wilderness
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

Hadi Nazari, an experienced hiker, went missing on Boxing Day and was discovered by fellow hikers on January 6, having managed to survive on two granola bars and water from local streams.

During an extensive 13-day search involving around 400 personnel, authorities discovered personal items belonging to Nazari, including food wrappers and equipment. His survival skills and resourcefulness played a crucial role in his eventual rescue.The hiker, Hadi Nazari, became lost while trekking in Kosciuszko National Park, which is located approximately 240 miles south of Sydney. The troubles began on December 26, when he set out on the Hannels Spur trail alone and failed to return to the agreed campground, prompting his friends to alert the New South Wales police at 8:45 p.m. the same day.The search for Nazari quickly mobilized, involving an impressive force of around 400 volunteers and law enforcement members, who scoured the area both from the air and on the ground over the next 13 days. As he was known to be an experienced hiker and had camping supplies with him, authorities maintained hope for his survival. In the days following his disappearance, some of Nazari's belongings were discovered, including rubbish and hiking poles near the Kosciuszko River and remnants of a campfire close to the Geehi River. However, the search efforts were complicated by the thick, challenging bushland, where visibility was extremely limited.Finally, on January 6, a fortunate group of hikers trekking near Blue Lake, about six miles from his intended campground, happened upon Nazari crying out for help. They promptly contacted emergency services, leading to his airlift to safety where he was assessed by paramedics at a command post. Despite the ordeal, Hadi Nazari's remarkable will to survive and his outdoor expertise were pivotal in enduring the difficult conditions of the Australian wilderness.

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