Joshua Dart and his hiking group will always remember the emotional moment when they discovered missing bushwalker Hadi Nazari alive in Kosciuszko National Park. On the first day of their hike, while admiring the stunning views, they heard calls for help. “It was surreal,” Dart recounted. After realizing it was Nazari calling for assistance, the group was overwhelmed with emotion, shedding tears of relief and joy.
Nazari, who is 23 years old and from Melbourne, had been missing in the NSW Snowy Mountains since Boxing Day, prompting extensive search efforts over the past two weeks. The hikers stumbled upon him around 3:15 PM off the circuit walk near Blue Lake. In an inspiring testament to his resilience, Nazari survived by foraging for berries, drinking creek water, and eating two muesli bars he found in a hut.
Upon their encounter, the group offered him water and food, and Dart helped him contact his family while also calling emergency services. “He was in such good spirits, saying, ‘praise God,’ despite being scratched up and sunburnt,” Dart shared. Nazari had lost track of time and initially believed he had been missing for seven days after accidentally separating from his friends.
His friend, Maisum Jafari, expressed overwhelming joy at Nazari’s unexpected reunion with his loved ones. “We are ecstatic, over the moon,” he said, emphasizing their continuous hopes for his safe return. Through collaboration with the police, Nazari was safely winched to the search command post about 30 minutes after being found and is presently being treated at Cooma Hospital, reportedly in good health.
NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet highlighted the importance of ongoing search efforts and the need to remain hopeful. He reassured Nazari’s family that they could now rest easy, celebrating the remarkable outcome of this harrowing experience.
Dart concluded with gratitude, recognizing the fortunate circumstances that led to their meeting with Nazari. “It’s just a miracle, and I’m so grateful,” he noted, emphasizing that sometimes, fate plays a significant role in bringing people together for a saving moment.
This story serves as a reminder of the strength of community, the importance of vigilance, and the resilience of the human spirit in challenging situations. With dedicated search teams and the power of hope, lives can indeed be salvaged, showcasing the goodness that exists in times of crisis.
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