More specialist search operators from across the state are being deployed into the field, as the search for a missing bushwalker in Kosciusko National Park, enters its eighth 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 Kosciusko River, which remains the focus area of the search.
More specialist operators from NSW Police Rescue, who have winching capabilities have arrived to further assist with the search, allowing officers to be winched into denser bushland to search for longer periods of time.
Riverina Police District Acting Superintendent Jill Gibson said the search will continue into the weekend.
"We are continuing the search for Hadi, this remains an active search and rescue and we are not giving up hope of finding him alive. Our search crews are focussing on the creek lines and water sources, where we believe Hadi may be," A/Supt Gibson said.
"To date we have utilised over 250 staff to search this difficult terrain. We have had some of the most experienced searchers in the state involved including the Police Rescue Unit LANDSAR operators, the State Emergency Services bush search and rescue operators and Volunteer Rescue Association Rescue Bush search and rescue operators and National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers. In addition, we've had aircraft from several agencies over the eight-day period.
"The location comprises of incredibly dense bushland and challenging conditions on the ground, with the bushland so dense that searchers – in some parts – can't see their feet. We know Hadi is an experienced bushwalker, so we will continue through the weekend searching to try to locate him," she said.
