Joshua Dart will forever cherish the incredible moment when he and his hiking group discovered the missing bushwalker Hadi Nazari alive in Kosciuszko National Park. During the first day of their trek, the group was admiring the breathtaking views when they heard someone calling out for help.
“My friend James looked down towards the voice, and we shouted back, hearing him say, ‘I need help,’” Dart recounted, filled with emotion. “When we realized it was him, it was unbelievable; we were all in tears, and so was he.”
Nazari, a 23-year-old from Melbourne, had been missing in the NSW Snowy Mountains since Boxing Day. Over the last two weeks, search efforts for Nazari were extensive, and his discovery came as a massive relief.
One member of Dart’s group had seen the missing person alert and Nazari’s photo shared on social media earlier that day. While they weren’t actively searching, fate led them to encounter him on a circuit walk near Blue Lake at around 3:15 p.m.
Having survived on foraged berries, creek water, and two muesli bars found in a hut, Nazari was fortunate to be in high spirits despite being scratched and sunburnt. Dart said, “We offered him water and food. He was so grateful, saying, ‘praise God.’”
Nazari explained that he had accidentally lost track of time and separated from his friends on Boxing Day. Initially unaware of how long he had been missing, he reportedly believed he’d only been lost for seven days.
Upon being found, he immediately called his mother using a phone provided by the hikers. His friend, Maisum Jafari, expressed overwhelming joy for Nazari’s safe return, stating, “We’re ecstatic; I was worried he wasn’t where we thought he would be.”
After being located, he was winched to the search command post approximately 30 minutes later, where he was reunited with his family and assessed by paramedics. Cheers erupted across the campground as news of his safe return spread, and he currently remains at Cooma Hospital in good health.
Police have expressed hopes to speak with Nazari about his experience once he is ready. Superintendent Andrew Spliet emphasized the significance of positivity and perseverance during rescue efforts, reassuring families, “The family can rest easy.”
Dart, reflecting on the miraculous event, noted, “It’s just a miracle; 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 touching story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the kindness of strangers, reminding us all that hope and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes, even in the direst situations.
In summary, Hadi Nazari’s survival and safe return to his family is a remarkable testament to human endurance and the power of community.
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