‘Skating close to the edge’: Major factor that ensured Aussie hiker Hadi Nazari survived gruelling 13 days missing

A hiker found almost two weeks after he went missing in Kosciuszko National Park would have been “skating close to the edge” but was able to survive by not panicking. Hadi Nazari, 23, disappeared on a bushwalk in the alpine wilderness on Boxing Day 2024 - sparking a massive search effort that spanned over the New Year involving hundreds of police and wildlife rangers. The Melbourne student was found by another group of hikers near Blue Lake - 10km where he was last seen on the Hannels Spur Trail in Geehi - on Wednesday. The group had stopped to admire the view of Blue Lake from a summit when they heard someone shouting, only to notice a small “speck” on the hill. “When we saw who it was, we couldn’t believe it,” hiker Josh Dart, who was part of the group, said. “He just collapsed into (a friend’s) arms and we were all hugging each other.” Despite fears for the worst, rescuer’s efforts were bolstered after rubbish and hiking poles belonging to Mr Nazari were found near the Kosciuszko River on New Year’s Eve. A campfire, lighter, camera and camera bag were then found on January 5 near the Geehi River. Mr Nazari’s incredible survival was likely due to his ability to find water and shelter from the elements during the time he was lost, in addition to not panicking during his ordeal, according to Bluegum Bushcraft director Gina Chick. Ms Chick, who survived 67 days battling the elements on the groundbreaking SBS series Alone Australia, said the young hiker may have been in “deep trouble” without water. “He was definitely skating close to the edge... but because he found water and shelter, that’s two of the most important elements sorted,” she explained. “It means he could cool himself off in the hot days and keep his temperature stable.” Ms Chick said finding shelter when lost in the wilderness is an “incredible boost” to not only protect yourself from the elements, but stave off panic. She said not having shelter was the equivalent of a “panic button” being turned on - which spurred irrational decisions that could get people further lost. “Fight or flight in the bush doesn’t end well,” Ms Chick said. “It sounds like he kept his head, he left breadcrumbs for rescuers to follow.” Ms Chick reiterated the importance of “lost-proofing” education and for hikers to go over survival essentials before any trip, equating it to courses on surf and rip safety. “There’s just some basic steps anyone can take, even if it’s just to have a small day pack and carry twice the amount of water,” she said. “You should always let someone know where you’re going and what time you’re expected to return.” Kevin Newton, from Aussie Survival Instructors, told news.com.au it was “fortunate” Mr Nazari had permanent water sources to find at the height of summer. “If he had fire lighting equipment, the overnight mild temps would have been okay, perhaps a little chilly, but nothing too harsh,” he said. “Sitting in shade all day, out of the sun would have helped him.” Mr Newton said there was nothing “miraculous” about the survival - saying Mr Nazari “used common sense and didn’t panic”. Following his rescue, Mr Nazari was treated at hospital for dehydration. He had not properly eaten in a week - only salvaging two museli bars which he found in a hut. A hiker missing for almost two weeks in New South Wales Snowy Mountains has been found alive. Hadi Nazari went missing on Boxing Day after he stopped to take photos and failed to meet back up with friends. More than 300 people have been searching the Kosciuszko National Park for the past 13 days. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday said Mr Nazari’s journey was “remarkable” and that the whole nation would have “jumped for joy” at news of his discovery. “It is difficult terrain and a big shout out as well to all those volunteers and emergency service workers who helped to find this young man,” Mr Albanese said. “At the worst of times we always see the best of the Australian character and that has been on full display here … showing the resilience that is part of the Australian spirit.” In his own statement, issued by NSW Police, Mr Nazari thanked emergency services for their “tireless work” to find him. “I would also like to thank members of the public, family and friends for their well wishes and prayers,” he said. “As I continue to recover, I ask the media for privacy at this time.”