A 17-year-old survived 6 days lost in Australian bushland on chips and creek water, then pumped his fists when a helicopter appeared

A 17-year-old boy has been found alive after spending six days alone and lost in Australian bushland, as reported by LADbible. William was discovered on the morning of November 12 after a massive search across difficult terrain in Victoria.

The teenager was spotted by a police helicopter that had been scouring the area. Police footage shows the moment he saw the aircraft and began pumping his fists in the air while clutching his chest.

The situation began on November 6, when William’s mother, Elizabeth Barkley, dropped him off near a campsite on Stony Creek Road in Walhalla East for a camping trip with a friend. He reportedly went missing shortly after leaving the drop-off point to head back and get more equipment.

A tackle box turned out to be the key to finding William

William reportedly took a wrong turn and ended up lost in the bush without his phone or any supplies, wearing only shorts and boots. His friend raised the alarm when he did not return, sparking a search involving police dogs, volunteers, divers, and helicopters.

The police Air Wing noticed a tackle box about two kilometers from where he was last seen, then found William lying on a rock near a creek. Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said the boy’s eyes lit up when he realized he was being rescued.

“Maybe the tackle box with him saved him,” Benbow told reporters. “He didn’t even think people were searching for him, he had no idea how he was going to get out of there. And honestly, I think he could have survived a couple more days.”

His mother explained that he survived by drinking creek water and eating a family-sized bag of chips, which lasted him two days. He also used a couple of towels to stay covered.

Elizabeth said her son had fallen down a cliff, leaving him with scratches and sore legs. Despite freezing temperatures at night, he remained in good spirits, and she said he was smart enough to stay in one place instead of wandering further into the bush.

The rescue team gave him a doughnut and water before taking him to the hospital. His mother described the rescue as a miracle and said she was over the moon that her prayers were answered.

“Don’t ever do that again! You’re never leaving my sight again. You scared the s**** out of me. Yes, you’re grounded,” Elizabeth told the press. William is now recovering and reportedly plans to make a big McDonald’s order once he is feeling better.

He walked away with only minor injuries. Benbow said the team was moved by the outcome, noting that happy endings like this do not happen all the time.