Hiker found after 13 days lost in Australia’s Kosciuszko National Park Magic Post

A Melbourne student who spent almost two weeks lost in Kosciuszko National Park has been found safe after a massive search operation.

Hadi Nazari, 23, a neurosurgery student, became separated from his friends on Boxing Day while hiking the Hannels Spur Trail between Khancoban and Thredbo in New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains.

He spent 13 days alone in the bush with just water and two muesli bars for sustenance.

Nazari’s ordeal ended Wednesday afternoon when he spotted a group of passing hikers, to whom he called for help.

He identified himself as the missing hiker and told them he was “thirsty.”

The hikers immediately contacted emergency services, who were able to rescue him. Nazari was found about 20 kilometers from the main police command post in Geehi around 3:15 p.m. (local time).

“One of my officers there had spoken to him and he said he found a cabin up in the mountains and there were two muesli bars up there,” Superintendent Andrew Spliet said. “That’s about all he’s had in the last two weeks.”

Nazari was brought to safety and assessed by paramedics. He was alert, in good spirits and had no visible injuries. He was later reunited with his family and taken to Cooma Hospital for further examination.

Superintendent Spliet praised Nazari’s hiking experience and physical fitness, which likely contributed to his survival. “Did he rest in the shade during the day, did he find any hiking trails he was able to take? He’s doing great,” Spliet said.

The search for Nazari intensified after a message was discovered on his camera, recorded in Indonesian. In the video, Nazari apologized for disappearing and mentioned that he had drunk water.

Authorities believe the video, which was deliberately left on a remote hiking trail, helped confirm that Nazari was still alive.

“It’s an incredible result,” Riverina Police District Inspector Josh Broadfoot said. “After 13 long days, he was located.

We would like to thank our emergency service partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public for their help. We never gave up hope of finding him and we are delighted to be able to return him safe and sound to his family.”

Photo: New South Wales Police

More than 300 people, including NSW Police, the SES, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and several other agencies, took part in the search.

The coordinated effort also involved NSW Ambulance, RFS, VRA Rescue NSW, PolAir and Westpac Lifesaver.

Photo: New South Wales Police

Authorities are still gathering details about Nazari’s survival methods, but it’s clear that his ability to stay hydrated and his hiking experience helped him endure harsh conditions.