Australian teen found alive after six days in the bush

An Australian teenager has been found alive after six days missing in dense bushland.

Police said 17-year-old William had been camping with a friend in the southeastern state of Victoria, about 180 kilometers (112 miles) east of Melbourne. He got lost after he'd left his friend to go and get some equipment, but didn't return.

The friend then called the police and an intense search operation was launched, involving helicopters, special units, as well as volunteers searching the bush each day.

The boy was found on Thursday morning during an aerial search near Stoney Creek, public broadcaster ABC reported. Rescuers first spotted a fishing tackle box and then saw the boy sleeping on a rock in a dry riverbed.

'In good spirits and good health'

Pictures show the boy shirtless and sunburned. Local media reported that he waved and pumped his fist when he was woken up the sound of the search helicopter.

"Flight officers winched down and retrieved Will before bringing him back to the command post to reunite with his mum," police said. "Amazingly, William is in good spirits and for the most part, in good health."

He was then taken to hospital for monitoring.

"I'm just over the moon he's alive," his mother was quoted in Australian media. "He just stayed in one spot and waited to be rescued."

Police said William had spent days walking through the rugged terrain but fell down the side of a riverbed two days ago and then remained there in hopes of being found.

"He's never leaving the house again," his mother told local reporters. "He's grounded for life."