A police helicopter crew spotted 17-year-old William beside a creek after an extensive search involving emergency crews and volunteers.
COWWARR, Australia — A 17-year-old boy was found alive in rugged bushland in the Australian state of Victoria after being missing for six days, with a police helicopter crew locating him near a creek and winching him to safety Thursday.
Victoria Police said William, whose surname has not been released by police, was found about 2 kilometers east of Stoney Creek after an Air Wing crew noticed a tackle box in the bush. The crew examined the area more closely and saw the teenager lying nearby in a creek bed. Flight officers descended from the helicopter, retrieved him and flew him to a command post, where he was reunited with his mother.
William had been missing since about 4 p.m. Nov. 6, when he was camping with a friend in the Walhalla East area between Cowwarr and Walhalla. Police said his mother had dropped the teenagers off for a weekend camping trip. William later walked a short distance toward the drop-off location to collect additional camping equipment but did not return. His friend searched for him before authorities were alerted.
The disappearance prompted an extensive six-day operation across steep and heavily wooded terrain. Victoria Police officers and specialist teams were joined by emergency service personnel, search-and-rescue groups and community volunteers. ABC News reported that more than 80 volunteers participated on some days as crews searched thick bush, waterways and difficult slopes. Police also used helicopters, dogs and other specialist resources as the search area expanded.
Authorities said the terrain presented a major challenge. Acting Inspector Jason Benbow told reporters that parts of the area where William was eventually found were too steep to search safely on foot. Police had previously asked motorists for dashcam footage and urged hunters, campers and landowners to check cameras in the surrounding bushland as investigators tried to determine where the teenager had gone.
William was found exhausted after spending days moving through the bush before remaining near the creek. Police said he had cuts on his legs and significant sunburn but was alert and able to speak with rescuers. Video released by Victoria Police showed him reacting when he realized the helicopter had spotted him. Authorities initially described him as being in good spirits and mostly in good health before he was taken to a hospital for monitoring.
ABC News reported that William told his family he had rationed a family-sized bag of chicken chips during the ordeal and used two towels to help stay warm during cold nights. He also had access to water near the creek. His mother said he had become lost after missing the route back toward the campsite and later ended up in difficult terrain where continuing to travel became harder.
The teenager’s mother expressed relief after the two were reunited at the search command post. She told reporters she had continued to believe her son would be found alive as the search stretched across nearly a week. Police and emergency workers also described the discovery as a welcome outcome after days of searching country that was often difficult to see from either the ground or the air.
William remained under medical care after the rescue. Later reporting from ABC said he was recovering while doctors continued assessing health problems connected to his time in the bush. Rescue specialists said his decision to stay near water, keep warm with the supplies he had and eventually remain in one visible location improved the chances that aerial crews could find him.
Victoria Police thanked emergency services, search-and-rescue organizations, volunteers and local community groups that supported the operation. With William safely recovered and receiving medical care, the six-day missing-person search was formally brought to an end.
Author note: Last updated November 13, 2026.