A remarkable rescue unfolded in Kosciuszko National Park when Joshua Dart and his hiking group discovered missing bushwalker Hadi Nazari alive after he had been missing since Boxing Day. The group, which was on the first day of their hike, was captivated by the stunning views when they suddenly heard someone calling for help.
Dart recounted, “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 the focus of extensive search efforts over the past two weeks.
The hikers stumbled upon Nazari around 3:15 p.m. off the circuit walk near Blue Lake, where he had been surviving by foraging for berries, drinking creek water, and consuming two muesli bars he found in a nearby hut. Dart explained, “We offered him water and a little food. He called his family on another phone, and I called emergency services.” Despite being scratched up and sunburnt, Nazari remained optimistic, expressing gratitude by saying, “praise God.”
During their interaction, Nazari shared that he had lost track of time and believed he had been missing for about seven days after accidentally separating from his friends. His friend Maisum Jafari expressed immense relief and joy upon learning of Nazari’s safe return, saying, “We are ecstatic, over the moon. I was worried he wasn’t where we thought he would be.”
Shortly after being found, a helicopter was dispatched to winch Nazari to the search command post, where he was reunited with his family and evaluated by paramedics. He is currently reported to be in good health at Cooma Hospital.
NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet highlighted the importance of hope during search operations, reassuring Nazari’s family that they could now rest easy. The hikers reflected on their miraculous experience, with Dart stating, “It’s just a miracle, and I’m so grateful.”
This heartwarming rescue emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community in challenging times. It serves as a reminder that hope and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes, even in dire situations.
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