In an astonishing tale of survival, 23-year-old Hadi Nazari has been found alive in Kosciuszko National Park, 13 days after he went missing on a bushwalk.
The Melbourne student’s incredible story has captivated the nation, with experts praising his ability to stay calm and find essential resources in the harsh wilderness.
A Desperate Search Effort
Nazari disappeared on Boxing Day, sparking a massive search operation involving hundreds of police and wildlife rangers.
The search party combed the alpine wilderness, following a trail of clues, including rubbish and hiking poles belonging to Nazari, which were found near the Kosciuszko River on New Year’s Eve.
A campfire, lighter, camera, and camera bag were later discovered on January 5 near the Geehi River, giving rescuers hope that Nazari was still alive.
A Chance Encounter
Nazari was finally found by a group of hikers near Blue Lake, 10km from where he was last seen on the Hannels Spur Trail in Geehi.
The group had stopped to admire the view when they heard someone shouting and noticed a small “speck” on the hill. As they approached, they were amazed to see Nazari, who had been surviving on his own for over a week.
Surviving Against the Odds
Gina Chick, a survival expert and winner of Alone Australia, believes that Nazari’s ability to find water and shelter was crucial to his survival. “He was definitely skating close to the edge, but because he found water and shelter, that’s two of the most important elements sorted,” she said.
Nazari’s decision to stay calm and not panic also played a significant role in his survival, according to Chick. “Fight or flight in the bush doesn’t end well,” she warned.
Expert Insights
Kevin Newton, from Aussie Survival Instructors, agrees that Nazari’s survival was not miraculous, but rather a result of using common sense and not panicking.
“If he had fire lighting equipment, the overnight mild temps would have been okay, perhaps a little chilly, but nothing too harsh,” he said.
Newton emphasized the importance of “lost-proofing” education and survival essentials, such as carrying twice the amount of water and letting someone know your itinerary.
A Nation Rejoices
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Nazari’s remarkable journey, saying that the whole nation would have “jumped for joy” at news of his discovery.
Nazari has since been treated for dehydration and has thanked emergency services for their “tireless work” in finding him. As he continues to recover, his story serves as a testament to the human spirit and the importance of staying calm in the face of adversity.
Key Takeaways
- Hadi Nazari, 23, was found alive in Kosciuszko National Park after 13 days of searching
- His survival was due to finding water and shelter, and not panicking in the wilderness
- Experts emphasize the importance of “lost-proofing” education and survival essentials
- Nazari’s story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of staying calm in adversity