An aerial search near Walhalla found 17-year-old William after rescuers spotted a fishing tackle box, then saw him sleeping on a rock. He was reunited with his mother and taken to hospital for monitoring.
Victoria Police’s aerial unit found William alive near Walhalla in Australia’s Victoria state on the morning of 12 November, after he had spent six days missing in dense bushland. His surname has not been released.
During the search near Stoney Creek, rescuers first spotted a fishing tackle box and then saw William sleeping on a rock in a dry riverbed, DW reported. Police said flight officers were lowered by winch to retrieve him and brought him back to the command post to reunite with his mother.
Police said William was in good spirits and, for the most part, in good health. His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, said he had only a few scratches and appeared fit and healthy. He was taken to hospital for monitoring.
William was camping with a friend near Walhalla in Victoria’s Gippsland region after his mother dropped him off. He is believed to have walked back toward the drop-off point to collect more camping equipment. Police said he was last seen on 6 November near Stoney Creek Road, between Cowwarr and Walhalla.
He was wearing only shorts and work boots and had left his phone, food and water behind. His friend searched for him and then called police. The search involved helicopters, specialist units, police dogs, divers and volunteers who searched the bush each day; extremely cold overnight temperatures had raised concerns for his welfare.
Police said William walked through rugged terrain for days before falling down the side of a riverbed two days before his rescue. He stayed there hoping to be found.
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