Missing teen camper found alive after six days lost in Victoria’s high country
The 17-year-old waved and fist pumped as the rescue helicopter spotted him.
There have been emotional scenes as a missing teenager was found alive after six days lost in Victoria’s high country.
William, 17, was seen grinning and fist pumping at the sight of emergency crews in a helicopter, who finally located him on November 12.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Moment teen camper found by rescuers after six days in bushland
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.He disappeared in the Walhalla East bushland soon after setting up camp near the T2 track with his step-brother on Friday.
William had gone for a walk to another part of the campsite to grab an esky about 4pm, and failed to return.
His step-brother searched the area and then raised the alarm with police, who escalated the incident to the state’s Missing Persons Squad — the specialised unit which led the searches for Samantha Murphy and Karen Ristevsky.
Police divers were also called in to search waterways in the area on Wednesday.
Police said they believe William may have become disoriented and lost his way in the surrounding terrain.
William lives with autism, and his family friend Rose told 7NEWS that not only was the trip his first camping experience, “this is his first time actually, probably, away from his mum”.
He was found alive and well on Thursday, after the police airwing spotted a tacklebox in bushland in the Cowwarr region, just east of where he disappeared.
“Zooming in on the tacklebox, they found William laying down close by in a creek,” Victoria Police said.
“Amazingly, William is in good spirits and for the most part in good health.”
William was winched up and taken back to the command post, where he was reunited with his mum.
His mum approached the landing chopper with arms wide for a hug, with footage of the moment capturing their heartfelt embrace and a big smile from William.
7NEWS understands William has now been airlifted to hospital for monitoring.
“Victoria Police would like to extend its thanks to the community, volunteers, SES, Ambulance Victoria, Bush Search and Rescue, Australian Search and Rescue K9, Search and Rescue Dogs K9 and Cowwarr Football Netball Club, for assisting with the search for Will,” police said.
“We’d also like to thank our own members from uniform and specialist units who assisted.”
Originally published on 7NEWS
