Australian teen found alive after six days in the bush

The teenager was spotted during an aerial search, after spending days navigating rugged terrain. He had fallen down the side of a riverbed two days before being found. Police said 17-year-old William had been camping with a friend in the southeastern state of Victoria, about 180 kilometers (112 miles) east of Melbourne. He got lost after he'd left his friend to go and get some equipment, but didn't return.

The friend then called the police and an intense search operation was launched, involving helicopters, special units, as well as volunteers searching the bush each day. The boy was found on Thursday morning during an aerial search near Stoney Creek, public broadcaster ABC reported. Rescuers first spotted a fishing tackle box and then saw the boy sleeping on a rock in a dry riverbed. Pictures show the boy shirtless and sunburned.

Local media reported that he waved and pumped his fist when he was woken up the sound of the search helicopter. "Flight officers winched down and retrieved Will before bringing him back to the command post to reunite with his mum," police said.