Editor’s note: Photos and videos from the search available here - https://spaces.hightail.com/space/tdoCAbfqAv
More than 150 members of the NSW State Emergency Service have assisted Police with ongoing search efforts for a missing hiker in the Kosciuszko National Park.
Since Boxing Day, SES members have hiked through steep and dense terrain, alongside NSW Police and partner emergency services, in search of missing 23-year-old Hadi Nazari.
Specialist NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue (BSAR) teams have been camping overnight to increase search capabilities and time spent in the area.
NSW SES South Eastern Zone Deputy Commander, Superintendent Matt Price said the search area was about a six-kilometre hike from the command post at Geehi Campground.
Superintendent Price said SES teams were covering approximately 12 kilometres per day in the search area, which covered some of the steepest and thickest terrain NSW bushland has to offer.
“SES teams have been on both day and overnight deployments to cover the search areas that we are tasked to by NSW Police,” he said.
“The teams have been rising to the occasion and have been continuously working through tough conditions – hoping to get a positive outcome for the family.”
The SES Alpine Search and Rescue (ASAR) teams responded to the call on Boxing Day, and have remained in the field, leading the SES effort with their expert knowledge of the Snowy Mountain region.
With extensive training and knowledge of the alpine areas, NSW SES volunteers are well-equipped to work in the rugged environment the Snowy Mountains offer, Superintendent Price said.
“All of the members deployed have completed extensive fitness and technical training. Our specialist remote and alpine search operators have done additional training in navigation and have a lot more experience in going into this kind of terrain,” he said.
“NSW SES BSAR is the oldest continuous land search and rescue unit in Australia, and they regularly participate in training exercises to improve skills and techniques.”
NSW SES members will remain assisting in the search for as long as NSW Police request.
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234