A missing teenager named William was finally rescued after spending six terrifying days alone in the Australian wilderness. The emotional moment was captured on police helicopter footage as the aircraft spotted him in the bushland. Realizing help had finally arrived, the exhausted 17-year-old raised his arms and pumped his fists with excitement.

William disappeared on November 6 while camping with a friend near Walhalla, east of Melbourne. He reportedly became lost after returning toward the drop-off point to collect extra camping equipment. Without a phone or proper supplies, he was left wearing only shorts and boots. An extensive search involving police, volunteers, dogs, divers and helicopters continued for days until rescuers spotted a tackle box about two kilometers from where he was last seen. They then located William lying on a rock near a creek.

Remarkably, he had survived on a family-sized bag of potato chips and creek water. William, who has Level 2 autism and had never camped before, reportedly stayed in one area rather than wandering farther into the wilderness. He suffered severe sunburn, scratches and sore legs after falling down a cliff, but was found alive and in relatively good spirits. Rescuers gave him water and a doughnut before taking him to hospital for checks.

His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, was overwhelmed with relief. “I’m just over the moon that he’s alive,” she said, later joking that her son was grounded for life. After six nights of worrying about him, she was simply grateful to have him home. William’s survival and the emotional helicopter footage turned a frightening disappearance into an extraordinary rescue story.