Prabhdeep Nazari, a student from Berwick, Melbourne, embarked on a multi-day hiking trip in the Kosciuszko National Park during the holiday season. On Boxing Day, December 26th, while descending the Hannels Spur trail near Geehi, he became separated from his two friends, aged 23 and 24. The friends, expecting to reunite with Nazari at the Geehi campground, initiated a search when he failed to arrive. This initial search by his friends quickly escalated into a large-scale operation involving various agencies.
The challenging terrain of the Kosciuszko National Park significantly hampered search efforts. The dense bushland, described as so thick that searchers couldn’t see their feet, made navigation difficult and limited visibility. This dense vegetation, combined with the vast expanse of the national park, created a formidable obstacle for rescuers trying to locate the missing hiker. The search continued for days, with rescuers battling the difficult conditions and holding onto the hope that Nazari would be found alive.
As days turned into a week, the search for Nazari intensified. Authorities employed a multi-agency approach, involving NSW Police, the State Emergency Service (SES), NSW Ambulance, VRA Rescue NSW, and national parks officers. These agencies worked collaboratively, pooling their resources and expertise to maximize the search effort. The operation encompassed ground searches, aerial surveillance, and the deployment of specialist equipment to cover as much ground as possible within the challenging terrain.
Over the course of the search, several items believed to belong to Nazari were discovered, offering glimmers of hope and helping to focus the search efforts. Near Kosciuszko Creek, searchers found rubbish and hiking poles suspected to be Nazari’s. Later, a campfire, lighter, camera, and camera bag were located near the Geehi River. These discoveries, while not definitively locating Nazari, provided crucial clues that helped direct the search teams to specific areas within the vast national park.
After thirteen grueling days, the search for Prabhdeep Nazari culminated in a joyous reunion. Hikers stumbled upon him near Blue Lake, a location approximately 60 kilometers and a 14-hour walk from the Geehi campground, where he was last seen by his friends. He was subsequently winched out by helicopter to the command post where paramedics assessed his condition. The discovery was lauded as “incredible” by authorities, given the challenging conditions and the length of time Nazari had been missing.
The successful rescue of Prabhdeep Nazari was a testament to the perseverance and collaborative efforts of the various agencies involved. NSW Police Inspector Josh Broadfoot expressed gratitude to all the emergency services, volunteers, and members of the public who assisted in the search. He emphasized the unwavering hope maintained throughout the operation and the immense relief felt upon Nazari’s safe return to his family. The incident highlighted the importance of preparedness when venturing into the wilderness and the crucial role of coordinated search and rescue operations in ensuring the safe return of missing persons.
