A 17-year-old boy has been found alive after spending six days missing in dense bushland in the Australian state of Victoria, ending an extensive search involving police aircraft, specialist teams and emergency services.
William, whose surname has not been released, disappeared on November 6 while camping with a friend at Walhalla East, about 180 kilometres east of Melbourne.
Victoria Police said he was last seen at about 4pm near Stoney Creek Road and T2 Track after walking a short distance from the camp area.
His mobile phone, food and water had been left behind, while he was wearing only shorts and work boots.
Police initially believed he may have become disoriented in the surrounding terrain.
William was located on Thursday morning after a police helicopter spotted him in a creek bed.
Police said officers were winched down to retrieve him before he was flown to the search command post and reunited with his family.
He was subsequently taken to hospital for monitoring.
His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, told reporters he appeared to have suffered only minor scratches.
“He just stayed in one spot and waited to be rescued and I'm just over the moon he's alive,” she said.
The operation expanded during the week as authorities searched rugged bushland around Cowwarr and Walhalla.
Victoria Police deployed personnel including its Search and Rescue Squad, Dog Squad, Air Wing and other specialist units, with emergency service personnel also assisting.
Police divers were brought into the operation as search teams widened the area on Wednesday.
As the search entered its fifth day on November 11, police also appealed to hunters, campers and landowners to review footage from deer, trail and game cameras positioned around Cowwarr, Stoney Creek and the Lower Thomson River.
That appeal followed the discovery of a hunting camera within the search area.
Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said William had travelled through steep terrain before spending his final two days in the creek area where rescuers found him.
Police said he was in good spirits and largely in good health following the rescue.