New items have been found as the search for the missing bushwalker in the Kosciuszko National park enters its twelfth day.
Police have been told Hadi Nazari, aged 23, 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, NSW Ambulance, VRA and PolAir.
Late on Tuesday 31 December 2024, rubbish and hiking poles, believed to belong to Hadi, 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. The camera has been forensically examined and confirmed to be that of Hadi Nazari.
During the twelfth day of the multi-agency search, emergency services personnel attached to Police Rescue Unit, State Emergency Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Volunteer Rescue Association and Rural Fire Service are now focussing the search around the Geehi River.
An additional two officers from Victoria Police with bush searching capabilities have arrived to bolster existing searchers.
Riverina Police District Commander Andrew Spliet said more than 300 searchers have been in the field since the search began and it will continue today.
"We are continually reviewing the search operation and seeking advice from the survivability expert. We are focussing on the waterways and creeks, particularly around the Geehi River, where the items of interest were located," Supt Spliet said.
"We are confident we have the best capabilities in New South Wales, from within NSW Police and our partner agencies to give us the greatest chance of finding Hadi. This remains an active search and rescue operation and further examination is taking place to determine how long the campfire has been there. We have informed the family and are continuing to do everything we can to bring Hadi home safe."
The search continues this afternoon and will resume tomorrow.
