How a classic song and a packet of chips helped Will survive six nights in the bush

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After falling down a cliff and spending six nights with two towels and a packet of chips, a rescued 17-year-old says he never wants to see the bush again.

Sunburnt, shirtless, and curled up on a rock beside a creek, 17-year-old William was using two towels as makeshift blankets, and had no idea when – or if – help would arrive.

In extraordinary footage captured by the Victoria Police air wing, William, also known as Will, looks up as the helicopter hovers overhead.

As he realises rescuers have spotted him, relief washes over his face. He pumps his fist in celebration and then brings his hand to his chest as he realises his six-day ordeal in the bush is finally over.

The Morwell teenager survived six days alone in remote bushland in Victoria’s Gippsland region after falling down a cliff and becoming lost while camping with a friend.

He suffered a small tear in his windpipe, and was being treated for air trapped around his lungs and neck. He also sustained significant scratches to his back after falling roughly two storeys down a cliff.

Speaking to Seven’s Sunrise from his hospital bed on Friday morning, Will described the moment he realised he had been found, followed by the long-awaited reunion with his mum.

“Just pure euphoria – happiness, gratefulness, that the moment that, I thought, might never happen has happened, and I’m finally going to see everyone again,” he said.

“[It was the] best moment of my life. Mum was super emotional, I was super emotional … it was a very strong bonding moment and I got to see that she’s happy again.”

Will admitted the cold nights were scary at times, but singing John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads brought him comfort in the dark.

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