A man who went missing in rugged bushland in Tasmania’s north for more than three days has been found alive.Corey Chugg, 32, went missing in bushland at Mt Barrow near Nunamara on Sunday night when he split up with a friend as they went collecting firewood.
Following a wide-scale search of an area about 20km outside Launceston, Mr Chugg was located by search and rescue teams.In an update on Thursday afternoon, Tasmania Police said he was found in a creek bed at the bottom of a steep incline, on the edge of the search area.
“He alerted searchers to his location by answering their calls,” they said.“He had a suffered a foot injury and was weakened by exposure to the elements after being without food, water and warm clothing since Sunday night.”
He was assessed by paramedics before being winched out by the rescue helicopter and taken to hospital for further treatment.Incredible footage was released by Tasmania Police which revealed the moment Mr Chugg was flown out of thick bushland.
Corey Chugg, 32, went missing in bushland at Mt Barrow near Nunamara on Sunday night when he split up with a friend as they went collecting firewood. Picture: Tasmania Police
Mr Chugg’s family has been advised of the good news.The wide-scale search was centred between Nunamara and Mount Barrow, northeast of Launceston.The search area had been narrowed using pings from Mr Chugg’s mobile phone, Inspector Aleena Crack earlier said.
In one of the most extraordinary survival stories to emerge in recent memory, a young man named Corey Chugg has captured the attention of thousands after reportedly enduring three days and nights alone in the unforgiving wilderness of Tasmania. The dramatic rescue, said to be captured in breathtaking aerial footage, shows a helicopter descending into a rugged ravine to lift him to safety — a moment many are calling nothing short of miraculous.
According to accounts circulating online, Corey had been missing for 72 hours after becoming lost in a remote and densely forested region. Tasmania’s wilderness is known for its beauty, but also for its harsh and unpredictable conditions. Thick vegetation, steep terrain, and rapidly changing weather can quickly turn a simple outing into a life-threatening situation. In such an environment, even experienced hikers can find themselves disoriented and vulnerable.
What makes this story so compelling is not just the rescue itself, but the conditions Corey is said to have survived. With no access to food, water, or proper shelter, each passing hour would have increased the physical and mental strain. Nights in the Tasmanian wilderness can be especially cold, and without adequate protection, maintaining body temperature becomes a critical challenge. The idea that someone could endure these conditions for three full days adds to the sense of awe surrounding the story.
The rescue operation, as described, involved a coordinated effort by emergency services, including search teams on the ground and a helicopter unit scanning the area from above. These missions are often complex and time-sensitive, requiring precise navigation and constant communication. Spotting a single individual in such vast terrain is no small task, which makes the reported moment of discovery all the more remarkable.
The footage, which many claim shows the exact moment Corey was lifted from the ravine, has quickly spread across social media platforms. Viewers describe an intense scene: the helicopter hovering steadily above a narrow opening, rescue personnel carefully lowering equipment, and finally, the moment Corey is secured and brought up. It is the kind of image that resonates deeply — a visual representation of hope, resilience, and human determination.
However, as powerful as the story is, it is important to approach such viral accounts with a degree of caution. As of now, there is no widely confirmed official report from Tasmanian authorities or major news organizations verifying all the details being shared. While the scenario is certainly plausible and similar rescues have occurred in the past, some elements — particularly the dramatic descriptions of complete isolation without water — may be exaggerated or simplified for emotional impact.
Survival in the wild often depends on a combination of factors: access to small water sources, natural shelter, prior experience, and even sheer luck. In many real cases, individuals believed to have had “nothing” actually managed to find minimal resources that helped them endure. This does not make their survival any less impressive, but it highlights the complexity behind such situations.
The emotional response to Corey’s story also reflects something deeper. People are naturally drawn to narratives of survival against the odds. These stories remind us of the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of hope even in the darkest circumstances. They create a sense of connection — a shared relief that someone made it through.