4 January 2025

Hope remains as search for missing bushwalker continues in Kosciusko National Park

| Chris Roe
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The search continues for missing hiker Hadi Nazari. Photos: NSW SES.

More specialist search operators from across the state have been deployed into the field, as the search for a missing bushwalker in Kosciusko National Park passed its eighth day.

Helicopters using infrared to search after dark, search and rescue dogs and highly trained and experienced bushwalkers are working their way through some of the most difficult terrain in the state to try and locate the 23-year-old.

Hadi Nazari was last seen by friends about 2:30 pm on 26 December 2024 descending the Hannels Spur Trail, Geehi, between Khancoban and Thredbo, in the Kosciuszko National Park.

The three men were expected to meet up at the Geehi campground; however, when he failed to arrive, the two friends, aged 23 and 24, began to search for him.

The search continues on the ground and in the air for missing hiker Hadi Nazari.

Officers attached to the Riverina Police District were alerted about 8:45 pm and commenced patrols by vehicle and on foot, assisted by the SES.

On Friday 27 December 2024, a command post was established, and a multi-agency search commenced involving Goulburn Police Rescue, officers attached to Riverina Police District, assisted by National Parks and Wildlife Service, SES, NSW Ambulance, VRA and PolAir.

Late on Tuesday (31 December 2024), rubbish and hiking poles, believed to belong to Hadi, were found near the Kosciusko River, which remains the focus area of the search.

The search for missing hiker Hadi Nazari has entered its ninth day.

More specialist operators from NSW Police Rescue, who have winching capabilities, have arrived to further assist with the search, allowing officers to be winched into denser bushland to search for longer periods of time.

Riverina Police District Acting Superintendent Jill Gibson said the search would continue into the weekend.

“We are continuing the search for Hadi, this remains an active search and rescue and we are not giving up hope of finding him alive. Our search crews are focussing on the creek lines and water sources, where we believe Hadi may be,” A/Supt Gibson said.

“To date we have utilised over 250 staff to search this difficult terrain. We have had some of the most experienced searchers in the state involved including the Police Rescue Unit LANDSAR operators, the State Emergency Services bush search and rescue operators and Volunteer Rescue Association Rescue bush search and rescue operators and National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers. In addition, we’ve had aircraft from several agencies over the eight-day period.

“The location comprises of incredibly dense bushland and challenging conditions on the ground, with the bushland so dense that searchers – in some parts – can’t see their feet. We know Hadi is an experienced bushwalker, so we will continue through the weekend searching to try to locate him,” she said.

Original Article published by Chris Roe on Region Riverina.

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Where is the Kosciusko River mentioned in the article where hiking poles were found? Can’t find it on my maps!
I walked Hansel’s Spur when the so-called wilderness track was re-opened after 2003 fires. Dense regrowth below the tree-line made for very slow progress and very difficult navigation (no hand-held GPS). We covered the 12km descent in 12 hours in high temperatures. First available fresh water near Geehi at Swampy Plains River.

An experienced bush walking group would not allow a member to go solo in this rough terrain particularly if not carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB). Many city-based walkers assume they’ll have mobile phone coverage (virtually non-existent in the Western Fall Wilderness region).

Michael Pless4:42 pm 04 Jan 25

I feel for his family, and I hope he’s found alive and well. But he seems to have walked into the bush under-prepared. I have friends who are keen bushwalkers, and they and their club friends carry EPIRBs (Emergency Personal Indication RadioBeacon). Triggering one of these lets authorities know you are in trouble and where, for 24 hours. Messages also get sent to designated relatives or friends. Perhaps it’s time for a campaign for these to be more commonly-used … by anyone who may get into a hazardous situation. I sometimes go to places where I might not see anyone for many hours, as I chase a photo, so I got one and carry it with me. Recently, a sailor in the yacht race was located and saved quickly because he activated his. How many fishermen could be rescued alive each year if they each had one of these? And as much as I sympathise with the family, I read an article this morning where they were seemingly critical of the authorities for not doing more. I’d suggest that 250 people away from *their* families searching for one person is a significant effort.

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