Missing Teen Found Alive After Six Days in Australian Woodlands

A 17-year-old boy who disappeared while camping in eastern Australia has been located alive following a six-day search by emergency services, volunteers, and police. The teenager, identified by police only as William, vanished last Friday near Walhalla, an old gold-mining town located east of Melbourne.

The Discovery and Rescue

Police reported that a helicopter crew spotted the teen asleep in a dry creek bed surrounded by wilderness. According to Acting Police Inspector Jason Benbow, William woke up to the sound of the aircraft, gave the crew a thumbs up, and was subsequently winched to safety. Rescuers provided him with a bottle of water and a doughnut before transferring him to a hospital for health monitoring.

Family Reaction and Condition

William's mother, Elizabeth, expressed immense relief at her son's survival. She told reporters that he sustained only a few scratches and appeared to be in good health. Joking about the ordeal, she remarked that her son was now grounded for life. Officials noted that the teenager's family had previously shared that he has Level 2 autism, which requires substantial support.

Search Operations

The extensive search effort involved police dogs, divers, and helicopters navigating difficult alpine terrain. Authorities had grown increasingly concerned due to weather conditions. Inspector Benbow stated that officers were emotional about the successful outcome, noting that such rescues do not happen all the time.