Joshua Dart and his hiking group experienced a moment they will never forget when they discovered missing bushwalker Hadi Nazari alive in Kosciuszko National Park. While enjoying breathtaking views on the first day of their hike, they heard cries for help. Dart shared the emotional moment, stating, “When we realized it was him, I couldn’t believe it. We were emotional, crying, and he was in tears.”

Nazari, a 23-year-old from Melbourne, had been missing in the NSW Snowy Mountains since Boxing Day, prompting extensive search efforts over two weeks. Fortunately, Dart and his friends stumbled upon him at approximately 3:15 PM off the circuit walk near Blue Lake. Against the odds, Nazari managed to survive by foraging for berries, drinking from a creek, and consuming two muesli bars he had found in a nearby hut.

Despite being scratched and sunburnt, Nazari was in good spirits, expressing his gratitude by saying, “praise God.” He explained to the group that he accidentally lost track of time and separated from his friends, initially believing he had been missing for about seven days. Dart remarked on Nazari’s survival instincts, saying, “He really had good survival instincts.”

Once found, Nazari borrowed a phone to contact his mother, igniting relief and joy among his friends and family. His friend, Maisum Jafari, said they were “over the moon” and had held high hopes throughout the search. A helicopter was dispatched shortly after, and Nazari was winched to the search command post, where he was reunited with his family and assessed by medical personnel. As of now, he is at Cooma Hospital and reported to be in good health.

NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet stressed the importance of maintaining hope during search operations, assuring Nazari’s family, “The family can rest easy now.” Reflecting on the incredible turn of events, Dart stated, “It’s just a miracle, and I’m so grateful for him and his family. He really kind of rescued himself; we just happened to be at the right place.”

This uplifting story not only highlights the resilience of the human spirit but also emphasizes the power of community and hope in difficult situations. It serves as a reminder that with determination, vigilance, and a bit of luck, positive outcomes are indeed possible, even during the toughest challenges.

In summary, Joshua Dart and his hiking group found Hadi Nazari alive in Kosciuszko National Park after he had been missing for several days. Nazari’s survival, aided by his resourcefulness and the timely rescue by his friends, illustrates the profound impact of hope and cooperation in the face of adversity.