NSW SES volunteers skirt the skyline during the 13-day search for Hadi Nazari. Photo: NSW SES
Hiker Hadi Nazari has been found alive and well in Kosciuszko National Park after he went missing for almost two weeks.
NSW Police say that after a 13-day search involving more than 300 people, at about 3.15pm on Wednesday, (January 8), the 23-year-old man was found by hikers off the circuit walk near Blue Lake.
He was winched from the location to the command post and assessed by paramedics.
NSW SES South Eastern Deputy Zone Commander Matt Price said volunteers were ecstatic at the result.
“Our members searched tirelessly over the last 13 days to help NSW Police in their efforts in locating Hadi,” Supt Price said.
“The team worked through some of the most difficult terrain and heatwave conditions so when they finally heard that he had been located safe and well, there was an amazing sense of pride and joy at the outcome.”
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing visited the scene late on Wednesday afternoon and thanked the volunteers.
“This has been a very significant search for the NSW SES, with more than 150 members assisting alongside our emergency partners,” he said.
“They are highly skilled and capable volunteers, and I commend them on this terrific result.”
NSW Riverina Police District Inspector Josh Broadfoot described the result as an “incredible outcome”.
“We never gave up hope of finding him, and we are elated we can return him safely to his family,” he said.
BACKGROUND
Nazari was last seen by friends about 2.30pm on Thursday, December 26, 2024, as he descended the Hannels Spur Trail at Geehi, between Khancoban and Thredbo, in the park.
The three men were expected to meet up at the Geehi campground but when he failed to arrive, the two friends, aged 23 and 24, began to search for him.
The Riverina Police District were alerted about 8.45pm and began patrols by vehicle and on foot, helped by the SES.
On Friday, December 27, 2024, a command post was established and a multi-agency search begun involving Goulburn Police Rescue, Riverina Police District, National Parks and Wildlife Service, SES, RFS, NSW Ambulance, VRA and PolAir.
Late on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, rubbish and hiking poles were found near Kosciuszko River.
On Sunday, January 5, 2025, a campfire, lighter, camera and camera bag were located near Geehi River.
