A 17-year-old boy was found alive on Thursday after spending six days lost in dense bushland in Victoria, Australia. The teenager, identified as William, had gone missing on November 6 while on his first independent camping trip near Walhalla, a town located approximately 180 to 185 kilometres east of Melbourne.
According to police and media reports, the teen disappeared after leaving his campsite to retrieve gear from a drop-off point but took a wrong turn. He was separated from his companion and lacked a mobile phone, food, or drinking water. His family confirmed that William has Level 2 autism, a condition that can involve difficulties with communication and changes to familiar routines. A massive search operation involving hundreds of people, including police, emergency personnel, the Dog Squad, and local volunteers, was launched to locate him.
Surviving the elements, the teenager reportedly sheltered under bushes and used two towels and a pillow to stay warm during cold nights. He initially consumed a family-sized packet of chicken-flavoured potato chips for the first two days and later relied on water from a creek to survive. His mother, Elizabeth, explained that he had fallen down a steep riverbed embankment, sustaining scratches and sore legs before eventually remaining near a creek for the final two days while waiting for rescue.
The search concluded on November 12 when a police helicopter crew spotted his fishing tackle box from the air. Rescuers subsequently located the boy, who was found resting in a dry creek bed. He was reported to be in good spirits and was taken to a hospital for health assessments following his rescue.
Key facts
- The teen was missing for six days after disappearing on November 6 near Walhalla, Victoria.
- Over 80 volunteers participated in the search daily, alongside specialist police teams and helicopters.
- The boy survived on a packet of potato chips and water from a creek.
- He was found on November 12 after a helicopter crew identified his fishing tackle box.
- His mother confirmed he has Level 2 autism, which requires substantial support.
Why it matters
The successful rescue operation has brought relief to the teenager's family and the emergency teams involved in the exhaustive six-day search. Following his recovery, the boy was reunited with his mother, who expressed gratitude toward the volunteers and emergency workers.
Background
Walhalla is noted as a former gold-mining town situated in the rugged wilderness of eastern Victoria.
Source: Times of India, Hindustan Times
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