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A 17-year-old boy who authorities describe as an \u201cabsolute miracle\u201d has been rescued after being lost in the Australian bushland for six harrowing days in the state of Victoria.<\/strong><\/p>\n The incredible discovery marks the end of a large-scale, multi-day search involving over one hundred rescue workers, police officers, and aircraft.<\/p>\n The nightmare started when William, the teen, disappeared within hours of arriving with a friend at a remote campground. Disoriented and badly injured after tumbling down a hill and unable to walk properly, William chose to remain close by a creek bed rather than heading out into the woods.<\/p>\n With no cellphone reception, shorts and work boots, he survived for almost a week by drinking creek water and eating the contents of a lone bag of potato chips.<\/p>\n The searchers, family members and rescue teams waited six days before the helicopter spotted the small object from the air, circling over the woods \u2013 and getting the pilots to zoom in with thermal and high-res cameras.<\/p>\n Officers found William sprawled out in a creek bed, waving to signal he was alert and conscious.<\/p>\n The teen was lowered from the helicopter\u2019s rescue unit, airlifting him to the aircraft before bringing him back to his mother Elizabeth Barkley at the aircraft. After being exposed to the elements for six grueling days, doctors said William only suffered from minor scratches and severe sunburn.<\/p>\n With tears of joy she embraces her son, thanked the search teams, and made a joking promise about the boy\u2019s future. His relieved mother quipped that he\u2019s \u201cgrounded for life,\u201d and she will never lose him from sight again.<\/p>\n The boy\u2019s dramatic rescue highlights the perseverance of emergency search teams and the natural drive to survive that lead to his miraculous discovery.<\/p>\n