Joshua Dart will always recall the moment his hiking group discovered missing bushwalker Hadi Nazari alive in Kosciuszko National Park. While enjoying the scenery on their first day of hiking, Dart and his friends heard a call for help.
“My friend James looked down where the voice came from, and we shouted back. We heard him saying, ‘I need help’,” Dart shared emotionally. When they realized it was Nazari, they were overwhelmed with joy and tears.
Nazari, a 23-year-old man from Melbourne, had been missing in the NSW Snowy Mountains since Boxing Day. His disappearance led to extensive search efforts over two weeks, which fortunately concluded when he was found by the group at approximately 3:15 PM off the circuit walk near Blue Lake.
Nazari survived the ordeal by foraging for berries, drinking creek water, and eating two muesli bars he found in a hut. “We offered him water and some food. He called his family on another phone, and I called emergency services,” Dart explained. Nazari remained in good spirits, expressing gratitude by saying, ‘praise God,’ despite having scratches and sunburns.
Upon being found, Nazari revealed that he had lost track of time after unintentionally separating from his friends. Initially, he believed he had been missing for about seven days. “He really had good survival instincts,” Dart remarked.
Excitement and relief filled the air as members of Nazari’s family and friends expressed their joy upon finding him safe. His friend, Maisum Jafari, stated they were all “over the moon” and held onto “high hopes” throughout the search. After making contact with the hikers, Nazari used a borrowed phone to call his mother, leading NSW Police to send a helicopter for his rescue within 30 minutes.
As news of his survival spread across the campground, cheers erupted in celebration. Currently, Nazari is at Cooma Hospital, where medical officials report he is in good health. Once he is ready, police hope to speak with him to discuss his experience.
NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet emphasized the importance of hope during such searches, stating, “When you’re out there searching for someone whose life may well be at risk, it’s very important to stay positive.” He reassured Nazari’s family that they could finally rest easy.
For the hikers, this experience has been nothing short of miraculous. Dart reflected on the event by saying, “I was up all night thinking about it, I didn’t get any sleep. It’s just a miracle, and I’m so grateful for the family and for him to get out. He really rescued himself; we just happened to be in the right place at the right time.”
This remarkable rescue not only reinforces the resilience of the human spirit but also highlights the power of community and hope in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that with determination and a bit of luck, positive outcomes are possible, even in the most challenging situations.
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