SIX DAYS LOST IN THE WILDERNESS — AUTISTIC TEENAGER WILLIAM FOUND ALIVE IN A MIRACLE RESCUE

A desperate search across Victoria’s rugged high country has ended in the best possible way. After six days missing in remote bushland, 17-year-old William has been found alive — bringing overwhelming relief to his family and the many people who hoped he would make it home.

For six agonising days, William’s family faced the uncertainty no parent should ever have to endure.

The teenager disappeared on November 6 while camping with a friend near Stoney Creek Road and the T2 Track in Walhalla East, in Victoria’s Gippsland region of Australia.

William had reportedly walked a short distance from the campsite to collect additional equipment. When he failed to return, his friend searched the surrounding area before raising the alarm.

The situation quickly became increasingly concerning. William had left his mobile phone, food and water behind, and was wearing only shorts and work boots.

William, who has autism, was on his first camping trip. Police feared he may have become disoriented in the unfamiliar and difficult terrain.

A MASSIVE SEARCH — AND A BREAKTHROUGH FROM THE AIR

Police officers, search-and-rescue specialists, emergency services personnel and volunteers joined the operation, covering dense vegetation, steep slopes and remote waterways.

The search intensified as the days passed, with helicopters, search dogs and specialist teams helping comb the area.

Then, on Thursday morning, November 12, a police helicopter spotted a tackle box in the bushland.

The discovery led rescuers to a nearby creek — where William was finally located, approximately two kilometres from the campsite.

He had fallen down a steep embankment and become trapped in the rugged surroundings. Police believe he had spent the final two days waiting near the creek to be found.

When the helicopter approached, William woke up and gave the crew a thumbs-up.

He was winched to safety, ending six days of uncertainty in an extraordinary rescue.

THE MOMENT HIS FAMILY HAD BEEN PRAYING FOR

William was reunited with his mother, Elizabeth, in an emotional moment that brought the search to a joyful conclusion.

Despite spending nearly a week in the wilderness, he was reportedly in good spirits and generally good health, although he had some scratches and sunburn. He was taken to hospital for monitoring.

His mother could barely contain her relief.

“I’m just over the moon that he’s alive,” she told reporters, later joking that her son was “grounded for life.”

The rescue was also an emotional moment for the officers and volunteers who had spent days searching the difficult landscape.

More than 100 emergency personnel and volunteers were involved in the operation, according to reports.

A STORY OF HOPE AFTER SIX TERRIFYING DAYS

William’s disappearance had drawn attention well beyond the small search area, with people following every update and hoping for the same outcome his family desperately wanted.

Now, after six days in the wilderness, the teenager is back with his loved ones.

What happened during those missing days remains an extraordinary story of survival — and a reminder of the determination of everyone who refused to give up searching.

For William’s family, the most important thing is simple: he is alive, he is home, and they can finally hold him again.