Man Found Alive After a Week of Freezing Temperatures Says He Survived by Drinking Water from Discarded Bottles

A man who vanished for a week in the Australian outback has been found alive — and told rescuers he survived by drinking water from discarded bottles.

The Northern Territory Police Force said in a news release that 26-year-old Gach Top was last seen leaving his Alice Springs home on July 28 at about 3:30 p.m. local time. Roughly two hours later, he spoke briefly with family by phone but never arrived at work that night.

His red Mazda CX5 was discovered the next day near John Flynn’s Grave Historical Reserve, about 4 miles outside of Alice Springs.

The search quickly expanded, involving more than 50 personnel from local police and partner agencies, supported by ATVs, drones, and helicopters. Acting Sgt. Chris Grotherr said on July 31 that forecasted sub-zero overnight temperatures heightened concerns for Top’s safety.

After five days of searching, police suspended the official operation on Aug. 2, turning the case over to the Northern Territory Police Southern Crime Division for further investigation.

Despite this, Top’s family and members of the community pressed on, continuing their own search across the rugged terrain, according to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), 9News, and The Age.

On Aug. 4, Top was found alive near Jay Creek outstation, about 18 miles west of Alice Springs.

“He was wrapped in a blanket and was exhausted,” Chuol Yat of the African Association of Central Australia told The Age. “The family, including the community, are overjoyed because many of us felt that this young man was not dead. He was found alive, and everybody was so happy.”

Andrew Thomas, a director with St. John Ambulance NT, told 9News that Top appeared dazed and confused after being lost in the bush. He was treated for dehydration and taken to hospital in Alice Springs.

According to Thomas, Top said he had survived by drinking water from discarded bottles found along the roadside.

Nyawuor Kong, Top’s stepmother, told ABC that the news brought joy back to the family, especially since Top had become a father in July.

“My eldest son was devastated, because he is close to his elder brother Gach, but when he heard the news that Gach is fine, he is smiling again. Our family are happy again,” she said, also thanking all those who helped in the search.

In an Aug. 4 update, Northern Territory Police Force confirmed: “He was located safe in the vicinity of Jay Creek earlier this evening and has been conveyed to hospital for assessment. Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance.”