In a remarkable turn of events, a 17-year-old Australian boy, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been found alive after six days missing in the dense bushland of Victoria, approximately 180 kilometers east of Melbourne. The teen disappeared last Friday during a camping trip with a friend, prompting authorities to launch a search operation involving police dogs, divers, and helicopters due to the severe cold temperatures prevailing overnight.
On Friday morning, the missing teenager was located and swiftly rescued by rescuers who winched him to safety. Upon being reunited with his family, it was reported that he appeared uninjured but grounded for life, according to his mother, Elizabeth Barkley. She expressed her relief, stating that her son had "only a few scratches" and seemed fit and healthy.
Police were reportedly emotional at the discovery of the teen, with Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jason Benbow commenting that such outcomes are not common. He indicated that they eagerly await the boy's account of his harrowing experience. The boy was taken to a hospital for a check-up and was later seen enjoying a doughnut and a bottle of water, presumably as a reward for his survival.