Fourteen-year-old William Callaghan was walking with his family on Mount Disappointment in Victoria, Australia on Monday, when he ran ahead and became separated from them, reported by 7News.
Callaghan was missing for two nights and three days but following a search party made up of more than 400 search and rescue members and volunteers, he was found by volunteer Ben Gibbs just before 12.30 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
Gibbs told 9News that he knew the area well: “This is kind of our family mountain. I have been coming up here since I was a boy. I saw where the guys tagged where they did some searching previously, so I dropped in a bit deeper than that.”
Gibbs said that he found Callaghan standing and looking, and he was not wearing socks. He gave the teenager socks, a jacket, and chocolate and tried to get him to feel relaxed by talking to him about Thomas the Tank Engine, Callaghan’s favorite TV show.
Gibbs said the teenager was not disturbed by him and was happy to be given chocolate. However, he covered his ears to block the noise of the helicopter, so Gibbs sent a signal to tell the helicopter to stand down.
Callaghan’s mother, Penny, told reporters that she couldn’t believe it when she heard that he had been found and that he was well and remaining calm. But she told reporters on the scene that her son was using hand signals to communicate that he was confused, scared and that his body felt weird.
Penny also told the crowd: “Thank you, everyone, I’m so grateful. You’re all amazing. What an amazing community,” from the ambulance.
Acting Inspector Christine Lalor told reporters that William was “alert, warm, eating, and drinking,” and had asked for McDonald’s.
Before her son was found, Penny said: “Will is very smart in his own way, I’m feeling positive because he’s quite resilient,” and said he would be drawn to the smell of food, particularly barbecue, Vegemite, and chocolate.
Victoria Police said on Twitter: “Amazing news!! Missing boy Will Callaghan has been located by a volunteer at Mount Disappointment. After two days missing in bushland, Will is set to be reunited with his family shortly. We would like to thank the community for their outpour of support.”
The teenager has been taken to hospital for observation.
