Missing Australian boy found alive after 6 days in the wilderness

A 17-year-old boy with autism was found alive after spending six days missing in the Australian bush, according to CBS News. The recovery was accomplished after a helicopter crew located him and provided assistance that facilitated his rescue.

The missing teen had been camping with a friend in eastern Victoria and was found near Walhalla, about 185 kilometers east of Melbourne, with authorities identifying him as William. He was located asleep on a flat rock beside a creek, shirtless and sunburned, wearing shorts and boots, and using towels as blankets before being reunited with his mother.

According to CBS News, more than 100 emergency personnel and volunteers participated in the extensive search operation. The effort involved a large-scale response from police, rescue services, and community volunteers, reflecting the significant resources deployed in this alpine region during a period of mild spring weather following a stretch of low rainfall.

William was described by authorities as being in good spirits and mostly in good health at the time of discovery. He was taken to a hospital for health monitoring after the rescue, and his mother was publicly identified as the parent awaiting his safe return, though her family name was not disclosed in the material provided.

The incident’s location in the Australian alpine region featured rugged terrain, which authorities indicated shaped much of William’s movements during the final two days, with he spent those days near a creek after wandering from the campsite. The weather conditions at the time were noted as mild spring weather, which accompanies the broader context of recent dramatic wilderness rescues in Australia.

The rescue operation was documented by CBS News with emphasis on the helicopter’s role in locating William and delivering assistance that enabled the rescue. No additional details about injuries or the broader circumstances of the search were provided beyond what was reported in the material.

CBS News’ reporting highlighted the recovery as part of ongoing vigilance by rescue services in Australia’s wilderness environments, with William’s case cited among several recent dramatic rescues. The coverage notes the successful reunification with his mother and the subsequent health monitoring at a hospital.

No further specifics were provided in the available material regarding the names of responders beyond the count of personnel involved, the exact nature of the helicopter’s assistance, or the precise medical evaluation findings after transfer to the hospital.