Incredible new images reveal the amazing miracle on the mountain moment when rescuers found missing medical student after Hadi Nazari was lost in the bush for two weeks
Stunning new footage has emerged of the moment missing hiker Hadi Nazari was rescued by a group of young Melbourne walkers after he went missing for two weeks.
Mr Nazari, 23, from Berwick in Melbourne, lost his friends when he went taking photos along the Hannels Spur Trail between Khancoban and Thredbo in the NSW Snowy Mountains about 2.30pm on December 26.
On Wednesday, 13 days later, he was found around 3pm on a picturesque mountaintop by a group of hikers outside the circuit walk near Blue Lake in Kosciuszko National Park.
Melbourne hiker Ty Pareskevopoulos shared the heartwarming moment the medical student was found after being lost and alone.
Wearing khaki pants and hiking boots, he appeared relieved and tired as he smiled and posed with his rescuers for a photo with the caption “unreal.”
Ty’s video shows a New South Wales police helicopter hovering over the group of hikers, preparing to winch Hadi to the command post for medical assessment.
In another video, he can be heard telling the hikers that during the whole ordeal he thought to himself, “I have to find my way.”
Pareskevopoulos’ father, Jamie Paros, told the Herald Sun that his son’s hiking group still planned to complete their three-day adventure and return home tomorrow, despite distractions from the rescue effort.
Nazari surrounded by a group of hikers who found him
Moments before, he was hoisted to the command post to undergo a medical assessment
“We didn’t think it was true when he messaged us,” he said.
“But my son actually found it. It was pretty crazy.”
Despite surviving on just two granola bars, water and wild berries, “dehydration and blisters on his feet” are thought to be Mr Nazari’s main medical problems.
NSW Police Inspector Josh Broadfoot said it was an “incredible outcome” to find Mr Nazari alive after almost two weeks.
“We have never given up hope of finding him and we are delighted that we can return him safely to his family,” said Inspector Broadfoot.
Inspector Broadfoot thanked partner agencies who, along with volunteers, assisted in the search.
SES deputy zone commander Matt Price said the volunteers were ecstatic after 13 days of tireless searching.
“The team has weathered some of the toughest terrain and heatwave conditions,” Mr Price said.
‘When they finally heard that he had been found safe and sound, there was a tremendous sense of pride and joy at the outcome.’
Mr Nazari’s overjoyed sister, Zahra, issued a statement on behalf of the family.
New photos have captured the moment bushwalker Hadi Nazari was found
Despite surviving on just two granola bars, water and wild berries, “dehydration and blisters on his feet” are believed to be his main medical concerns.
“We are so grateful that Hadi is safe and well,” she said. “We are grateful to everyone who helped us find my brother.”
The search for him involved hundreds of people who scoured the dense bushland for almost two weeks.
During the search, trash, walking sticks, a campfire, a lighter and a camera were found belonging to him.
Nazari’s friend Muhammad Iylas said he was in shock but full of joy to see him again.
He’s a hero, like 14 days without food… he’s doing just fine,” Mr Iylas told ABC News.
NSW Police Inspector Josh Broadfoot said it was an “incredible outcome” to find Mr Nazari alive after almost two weeks.
“We have never given up hope of finding him and we are delighted that we can return him safely to his family,” said Inspector Broadfoot.