Australian teenager found alive after six days lost in bushland
Rescuers located 17-year-old William near a creek after a major search operation in Victoria.
A 17-year-old boy named William was found alive on Thursday, November 12, after spending six days lost in the dense bushland of Victoria, Australia. According to the Times of India, a police helicopter spotted his fishing tackle box near Walhalla East, approximately 180 kilometres east of Melbourne, which led rescuers to him beside a creek.
William disappeared on November 6 after leaving a campsite to collect more gear. He was camping with a friend for his first independent trip but went the wrong way and could not be located. His family noted that he has Level 2 autism, a condition that can require significant support and affect communication and routines.
During his time in the wilderness, William survived by drinking water from a creek and eating a packet of potato chips. His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, said he initially took shelter under bushes before falling down a steep riverbed embankment, which left him with scratches and sore legs. He remained near the creek for the final two days because the steep terrain made it difficult to move.
The search involved hundreds of people, including police divers, the Dog Squad, and more than 80 volunteers each day. Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said William woke to the sound of the helicopter and gave a thumbs up before being winched to safety.
William was taken to Latrobe Regional Hospital for monitoring. While he was sunburned and had cuts, his mother said he appeared to be in good health and joked that he was grounded for life.