Joshua Dart will never forget the extraordinary moment when he and his hiking group discovered Hadi Nazari, a missing bushwalker, alive in Kosciuszko National Park. This incredible encounter happened during the group’s first day of hiking when they were taken by the beautiful scenery but were suddenly drawn in by calls for help.

Dart recalls the moment with great emotion, stating, “When we realized it was him, I couldn’t believe it. We were emotional, we were crying, and he was in tears.” Nazari, a 23-year-old from Melbourne, had been missing since Boxing Day, prompting extensive search efforts that lasted for two weeks. Thankfully, on Wednesday afternoon, they located him at around 3:15 PM near Blue Lake.

Despite the terrifying circumstances, Nazari managed to survive by foraging for berries, drinking creek water, and eating two muesli bars he found in a nearby hut. Dart noted that although he was scratched and sunburnt, Nazari remained in remarkably good spirits, expressing his gratitude with a heartfelt, “praise God.” Initially, he had lost track of time after accidentally becoming separated from his friends, believing he had been lost for about seven days.

The encounter was made even more poignant by the support of Nazari’s friends, particularly Maisum Jafari, who expressed overwhelming joy at Nazari’s safe return. He stated, “We are ecstatic, over the moon,” reflecting the immense relief that washed over everyone. After contacting the hikers, Nazari was able to call his mother, which led to a swift response from rescue teams, and he was winched to safety in just about 30 minutes.

Current reports indicate that Nazari is in good health and receiving care at Cooma Hospital. NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet highlighted the significance of hope during such operations, reassuring Nazari’s family that they could now rest easy knowing he was safe.

Dart expressed his gratitude for the miraculous turn of events, saying, “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 there at the right place.”

This heartwarming story underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the profound effect of community support in dire situations. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in challenging times, positive outcomes are possible through hope, determination, and sometimes, a stroke of luck.