Teen rescued after six days lost in Victoria bushland
A 17-year-old who went missing while camping in southeastern Victoria was located alive during an aerial search, after spending six days navigating rugged terrain.
Police said 17-year-old William disappeared on a camping trip in Victoria, about 180 kilometres east of Melbourne, after leaving a friend to retrieve equipment and failing to return. The friend alerted authorities, prompting a coordinated search that involved helicopters, specialist units and volunteer teams.
Rescuers spotted a fishing tackle box during an aerial sweep near Stoney Creek on Thursday morning and then located the teenager sleeping on a rock in a dry riverbed. He was winched down by flight officers and taken to a command post before being reunited with his mother.
"William is in good spirits and for the most part, in good health," police said.
He was subsequently transported to hospital for monitoring. Police noted that he had fallen down the side of a riverbed two days before being found and had remained in that location awaiting rescue.
"I'm just over the moon he's alive," his mother told local media.
"He's never leaving the house again," she added, indicating that he would face strict restrictions at home.