A Tasmanian man has been found alive after spending more than three days lost in rugged bushland near Mt Barrow in the state’s north.
Search and rescue teams located Corey Chugg, 32, at the bottom of a steep incline on Thursday morning, ending an intensive multi-day operation.
Chugg had been missing since Sunday evening after becoming separated from a friend while woodcutting off the Mt Barrow Discovery Trail at Nunamara.
He was found on the edge of the known search area and was conscious and talking when rescuers reached him.
Medical specialists assessed him at the scene before transferring him to hospital for further treatment. The full extent of his injuries remains unknown.
His family has been notified.
The search involved significant resources including police search and rescue personnel, SES volunteers, mounted search and rescue members, ATVs, drones and a helicopter.
Crews had scoured a broad area from Mt Barrow to Nunamara over several days in challenging terrain.
Tasmania Police Inspector Aleena Crack had earlier expressed serious concerns for Chugg’s welfare.
“He has now been missing for several days and we understand he did not have any food, water or safety equipment with him,” she said on Wednesday.
Chugg was last seen wearing only shorts and a top, with no rescue equipment or provisions.
Police said Chugg and his companion had arranged a meet-up point but their plans changed while they were out in the bush.
The companion reported him missing on Monday afternoon.
Tasmania Police said they would provide an update on Chugg’s condition and the search operation later on Thursday.
