William, 17, was found alive in an Australian riverbed after nearly a week missing in the bush. (Foto: Instagram)
William, a 17-year-old who disappeared in dense bushland in Australia, was found alive on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 12, local time. He had been missing for nearly a week and was wearing only shorts and boots when rescuers located him.
William had been camping with a friend and went to retrieve more equipment but did not return. He left his phone and food behind. He disappeared on Friday, Nov. 6, and search teams, including scent-tracking dogs, began looking for him.
A police helicopter spotted William asleep in the dry bed of a river. Crew members descended by cable to reach him, and he was taken to a hospital, where he is recovering. Police said he was exhausted and unable to walk, with cuts on his legs and severe sunburn on his upper body and face.
Investigators said William wandered while lost during the first few days and then fell down a steep embankment. Exhausted, he stayed in the riverbed, where the helicopter crew found him. His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, told ABC she was “extremely happy he is alive” and said he had stayed in one place waiting to be rescued.
Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said William was talking, smiling and telling them what had happened. He was also hugging his mother, eating a doughnut and drinking water, Benbow said.
