Hiker Rescued After 13 Days Surviving in Australian Wilderness

Last seen on December 26 in Kosciuszko National Park, Hadi Nazari managed to survive on minimal food and water before being rescued by fellow hikers.

A thrilling rescue operation concluded successfully on Wednesday when Hadi Nazari, a 23-year-old hiker who had been lost for almost two weeks in the dense wilderness of Australia, was found alive. The hiker, who was reported missing after failing to reunite with friends on December 26, managed to survive on just two granola bars and water sourced from nearby rivers and creeks.

Nazari, an experienced hiker, last ventured onto the Hannels Spur trail but did not return as expected, prompting his friends to alert local authorities around 8:45 p.m. on the same day. Upon learning of his disappearance, an extensive search operation commenced, engaging approximately 400 personnel covering both aerial and ground searches over 13 days.

Search efforts uncovered personal items, including remnants of a campfire and a lighter belonging to Nazari, suggesting he had made attempts to survive in the harsh environment. Acting Superintendent Jill Gibson of the Riverina Police District noted the challenging visibility conditions due to the dense bushland, which complicated rescue endeavors.

The breakthrough moment in the search occurred at about 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, when a group of hikers near Blue Lake—roughly six miles from the expected camping site—heard Nazari's calls for help. After notifying emergency services, Nazari was airlifted to a location where he could receive medical assessment from paramedics.

Having endured an arduous survival experience, Hadi Nazari's story serves as a reminder of both the risks of outdoor adventures and the resilience of the human spirit in times of dire need.