A 17-year-old boy, William Barkley, was found alive after missing for six days in the rugged bushland of Victoria, Australia. His disappearance, which began on November 6 during a camping trip with a friend, prompted a large-scale search operation involving police planes, helicopters, and volunteers scouring the area between Cowwarr and Walhalla, approximately 110 miles from Melbourne. The search concluded successfully when police pilots spotted him sleeping on a rock near a creek, leading to a dramatic rescue operation that reunited him with his mother, Elizabeth Barkley.

William survived his ordeal by consuming only crisps and water, which he managed to find during his time in the wilderness. His mother expressed immense relief and joy upon his return, calling it a "miracle". Elizabeth recounted the moment she saw her son wave from the helicopter, stating, "I never gave up hope, I knew in my heart he was still alive, and I just prayed to God for a miracle, and a miracle happened."S2

After being rescued, William was taken to a hospital for medical checks but was reported to have only minor injuries, including sunburn and scratches. Elizabeth humorously remarked that her son would be "grounded for life" and vowed to keep him close, saying, "I will never let him out of my sight again." The ordeal began when William became lost while attempting to retrieve camping equipment after his mother dropped him off at the campsite. It was revealed that he had fallen off a small cliff and was unable to move, prompting him to stay put and wait for help.S2