A hiker missing in the Kosciuszko National Park for nearly two weeks has been found.
Police have been told the 23-year-old man, was last seen by friends about 2.30pm on Thursday 26 December 2024, descending the Hannels Spur Trail, Geehi, between Khancoban and Thredbo, in the Kosciuszko National Park.
The three men were expected to meet up at the Geehi campground; however, when he failed to arrive, the two friends, aged 23 and 24, began to search for him.
Officers attached to the Riverina Police District were alerted about 8.45pm, and commenced patrols by vehicle and on foot, assisted by the SES.
On Friday 27 December 2024, a command post was established, and a multi-agency search commenced involving Goulburn Police Rescue, officers attached to Riverina Police District, assisted by National Parks and Wildlife Service, SES, RFS, NSW Ambulance, VRA and PolAir.
Late on Tuesday 31 December 2024, rubbish and hiking poles, believed to belong to the man were found near the Kosciuszko River, which remains the focus area of the search.
On Sunday 5 December, a campfire, lighter, camera and camera bag were located near the Geehi River.
Following a 13-day multi-agency search involving more than 300 people, about 3.15pm today the 23-year-old man was located by hikers off the circuit walk near Blue Lake.
He was winched from the location to the command post, where he is being assessed by paramedics.
NSW Police would like to thank emergency services and the media for their assistance during the search efforts.
Riverina Police District Inspector Josh Broadfoot has thanked emergency services for their contributions over the past fortnight.
"This is an incredible outcome, after 13 long days he has been located. We want to thank our emergency services partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public for their assistance. We never gave up hope of finding him, and we are elated we can return him safely to his family," Inspector Broadfoot said.
