Search resumes for hiker who failed to arrive at campground in Kosciuszko national park
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The 23-year-old was last seen descending a walking trail after agreeing to meet up with friends at Geehi campsite, sparking a multi-agency search. A major search for a 23-year-old hiker missing in Kosciuszko national park since Boxing Day resumed on Monday.
The man – who police said was an experienced hiker – was last seen by friends about 2.30pm last Thursday. He was descending the Hannels Spur trail, Geehi, between Khancoban and Thredbo, in the park. The friends were supposed to meet up at the Geehi campground, but when he failed to arrive his two friends, aged 23 and 24, began a search.
Police were alerted about 8.45pm on Thursday, and began searching in vehicles and on foot, assisted by the State Emergency Service (SES), but without success. A multi-agency search launched on Friday involving police, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, SES, New South Wales ambulance, PolAir and volunteer search teams.
A helicopter with infra-red capabilities, and other assets, were also deployed. While there were concerns for the man’s welfare, police were told he was an experienced hiker and that he was carrying camping equipment and wearing clothing suitable to conditions.
It comes after a hiker suffered a snake bite, dehydration and a rolled ankle while lost in the Snowy Mountains in October. Lovisa Sjoberg, 48, was found after a six-day search. A local police commander said Sjoberg was “pretty fortunate to be alive”.
