Hiker Rescued After 13 Days Lost in Australian Wilderness

Hadi Nazari, a skilled hiker, went missing during a solo hike and was discovered by fellow hikers after an extensive 13-day search operation.

On January 8, 2025, authorities reported the miraculous rescue of 23-year-old Hadi Nazari, who had been missing for nearly two weeks in the rugged terrain of Kosciuszko National Park, approximately 240 miles south of Sydney, Australia. Nazari became lost while hiking on December 26, known in Australia as Boxing Day, and was located thanks to the efforts of fellow hikers on January 7.

After failing to reunite with his friends at a designated campground, a distress call to New South Wales police was made at 8:45 PM on December 26. Nazari's friends, who had last seen him shortly before he ventured alone onto the Hannels Spur trail, reported his absence. Over the course of 13 harrowing days, a combined search effort involving around 400 individuals took place, employing both aerial and ground strategies.

Authorities maintained hope for his survival, particularly due to Nazari's experience as a hiker and the camping supplies he had packed. Notable discoveries during the search included items believed to belong to him, such as rubbish and hiking poles found near the Kosciuszko River on New Year’s Eve, as well as a lighter and the remnants of a campfire near the Geehi River in the following days.

Search efforts were hampered by the park's dense bushland, with acting Superintendent Jill Gibson emphasizing the difficulty faced by rescuers in navigating through the challenging landscape. On January 7, at approximately 3:15 PM, Nazari was spotted by a group of hikers near Blue Lake, about six miles from the expected campground. He alerted them of his situation, expressing that he was lost and in need of water. Emergency services were contacted, and Nazari was subsequently airlifted to a command post for medical evaluation by paramedics. His remarkable survival story has garnered attention, emphasizing not only the importance of preparation in outdoor activities but also the power of community efforts in search and rescue operations.