OMM Newsroom
A 17-year-old who went missing in dense bushland in the Australian state of Victoria has been found alive after six days, according to the BBC.
William, whose surname has not been released, disappeared last Friday while camping with a friend about 180km east of Melbourne. Extremely cold overnight temperatures had raised concerns for his safety.
Police dogs, divers and helicopters took part in the search. Rescuers located him on Friday morning, winched him to safety and gave him a doughnut and a bottle of water before taking him to hospital for a check-up.
His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, told reporters that he had “only a few scratches” and seemed fit and healthy. “He’s doing fine, everything seems to be fine, he’s in perfect health,” she said.
“He just stayed in one spot and waited to be rescued and I’m just over the moon he’s alive,” Barkley added. Joking, she said: “He’s never leaving the house again.”
William was reunited with his family, who said he was uninjured but “grounded for life”.
Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said officers were emotional to find the teenager alive. “It doesn’t happen all the time,” he said, adding: “I’m sure he’s got a story to tell us soon, which we’re very keen to hear.”
