Teen missing in Australian bushland for six days found alive while mum jokes ‘he’s grounded for life’

William, 17, went camping with a friend 180km east of Melbourne in Australia (Picture: PR Handout)

A 17-year-old boy has been found alive after spending six days lost in dense Australian bushland.

William, whose surname has not been released, disappeared last Friday while camping with a friend in bushland around 180km (112 miles) east of Melbourne, in Victoria.

Freezing overnight temperatures had sparked fears for his safety, with police dogs, divers and helicopters all involved in the search.

He was finally found on Friday morning and winched to safety by rescuers, who gave him a doughnut and a bottle of water before taking him to hospital for a check-up.

His relieved family said he was uninjured, although his mother joked he would be ‘grounded for life’.

Elizabeth Barkley told reporters her son had suffered only a few scratches and appeared to be in good health.

The 17-year-old embraces his mum, Elizabeth, after being rescued (Picture: Victoria Police via AP) Freezing overnight temperatures had sparked fears for his safety (Picture: Victoria Police via AP)

‘He’s doing fine, everything seems to be fine, he’s in perfect health,’ she said.

‘He just stayed in one spot and waited to be rescued and I’m just over the moon he’s alive.’

Joking about his disappearance, she added: ‘He’s never leaving the house again.’

Police officers were also emotional after finding the teenager alive.

Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said: ‘It doesn’t happen all the time.

‘I’m sure he’s got a story to tell us soon, which we’re very keen to hear.’

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