Missing Australian teenager found alive after six days in bushland

A 17-year-old boy who had been missing for six days in dense bushland in Australia has been found alive and reunited with his family. William was located on Friday morning, according to the BBC.

He disappeared while on a camping trip with a friend, in bushland about 180 kilometres east of Melbourne, in the Australian state of Victoria. Police dogs, divers and helicopters were involved in the search. William's surname has not been released.

Rescuers winched him to safety, lifting him by cable from the bush. They gave him a doughnut and a bottle of water before he was taken to hospital for a check-up.

His mother, Elizabeth Barkley, said William had only a few scratches and seemed fit and healthy. She said he had stayed in one spot and waited to be rescued.

The family said he was uninjured but "grounded for life".

Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said officers were emotional to have found the teenager alive.