Found Alive: 17-Year-Old Survives 6 Days Lost in Australian Wilderness
Helicopter crew finds William
The police helicopter crew spotted William lying asleep on a flat rock beside a creek. After waking to the aircraft, he gave rescuers a thumbs up and was winched to safety, Acting Police Inspector Jason Benbow told reporters.
Six days in steep country
William had been missing in eastern Australian woodlands for six days. Benbow said he travelled up and down very steep terrain while lost. Weather in the alpine region had been mild during the previous week, with little rain. William’s family said he has Level 2 autism, which the Australian advocacy group Autism360 describes as requiring substantial support.
Mother welcomes his return
Elizabeth told reporters she was overjoyed that her son had survived. The AP withheld the family name to avoid identifying William. The rescue was among several dramatic wilderness recoveries in Australia in recent years. In 2025, a German tourist was found alive in the remote Outback 12 days after going missing.
Other recent Australian rescues
Last year, a runaway dog was captured after roaming an island for 529 days. The island was home to kangaroos, possums, koala bears and penguins.
Key points
- William was found alive after six days lost in eastern Australian woodlands.
- A police helicopter crew located him beside a creek in the alpine region.
- His mother reunited with him after the rescue, and he was taken to hospital for monitoring.
- His family said William has Level 2 autism, which requires substantial support.