A teenager missing for six days in dense Australian bushland has been found alive.
William, whose surname has not been released, disappeared last Friday while on a camping trip with a friend in bushland about 180km (112 miles) east of Melbourne, Victoria.
Extremely cold overnight temperatures had left authorities concerned for the 17-year-old’s welfare. Police dogs, divers and helicopters had been involved in the search.
He was located on Friday morning and reunited with his relieved family, who said he was uninjured but “grounded for life”.
Rescuers winched William to safety, and fed him a doughnut and a bottle of water, before he was taken to hospital for a check up.
The boy’s mother, Elizabeth Barkley, told reporters the teenager had “only a few scratches” and seemed fit and healthy.
“He’s doing fine, everything seems to be fine, he’s in perfect health,” she added.
“He just stayed in one spot and waited to be rescued and I’m just over the moon he’s alive.”
Joking, she added: “He’s never leaving the house again.”
Police have said officers were emotional to have found the teen alive.
“It doesn’t happen all the time,” Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said. “I’m sure he’s got a story to tell us soon, which we’re very keen to hear,” he added.
