Australian teen missing in bush for six days rescued alive

William, whose surname has not been released, disappeared last Friday while on a camping trip with a friend in bushland about 180km east of Melbourne, Victoria. Extremely cold overnight temperatures had left authorities concerned for the 17-year-old's welfare. Police dogs, divers and helicopters had been involved in the search.

He was located on Friday morning and reunited with his relieved family, who said he is uninjured but "grounded for life". Rescuers winched him to safety, and fed him a doughnut and a bottle of water, before he was taken to hospital for a check up. Copyright © 2026 BBC.

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