AJ Elfalak, three, was found alive three days after disappearing into the Australian scrub. (Dean Lewins, Associated Press)
CANBERRA, Australia – A young boy was found three days after disappearing in the Australian desert, authorities confirmed on Monday.
New South Wales police responded to reports Friday just before 12:30 pm that three-year-old Anthony “AJ” Elfalak had disappeared from his family’s property in rural Putty , where he was last seen.
AJ is autistic and nonverbal, according to CNN affiliate Seven News.
When it could not be found, officers organized an extensive search operation with the help of local authorities, including the NSW ambulance, the State Emergency Service, the Rural Fire Service and the Rescue Volunteer Association.
They were also helped by hundreds of emergency service volunteers.
At around 11:30 a.m. Monday, after a lengthy search, the PolAir air support service detected AJ and was able to direct him to ground search teams.
“A three-year-old boy who has been missing on a rural property in the Hunter region since Friday has been located after a large-scale search,” police said in a Twitter post Monday. The message also included a video of AJ’s drinking water on the banks of the nearby river.
The boy has since reunited with his family, police confirmed.
Diaper rash and ant bites
“It’s a miracle. It’s alive. It’s amazing,” AJ’s father, Anthony Elfalak, told the media, Seven News reported.
“I’ve been in the bush for four days, I haven’t slept,” he added.
He said his son was suffering from diaper rashes and ant bites and that he had fallen.
Alan Hashem, a family friend, told Seven News that it felt “amazing” that AJ had been located.
“But we still have to find out what happened, we need answers,” Hashem said. “How did he go? Who did he go with? Did something sinister happen?
“We will not stop until we find the truth,” Hashem added. “Thank you to all the Australians who prayed, for the miracles come true.”
A three-year-old boy who has been missing on a rural property in the Hunter region since Friday has been located after a large-scale search. Http://t.co/VrlVwL4sYWpic.twitter.com/byOXFCiD1j
– NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) September 6, 2021
“He’s a little survivor”
AJ found himself in the Australian scrub, an unforgivable environment known for its steep terrain and dense forests.
New South Wales Police Superintendent Tracy Chapman said at a news conference she felt “relief” when she was located.
“Viouslybviamente, after three days, you know, desperate to find it, desperate to get a result like this, so I’m sure he’ll be here today, that’s good news,” Chapman said.
“I think (being) so close to the water is potentially what gave you this chance to survive,” he added.
Paramedic Gerry Pyke, of the New South Wales ambulance, told reporters that AJ was in a “remarkable” condition when he was found.
“He’s a little survivor,” Pyke added. “He was very, very grateful. You could see it in his eyes.”
Pyke said AJ had been taken to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure.
“Our family is back together. That’s why we are grateful to everyone who has helped in some way over the last three days,” the boy’s family said in a statement.
“Thanks to NSW police, rescue services, volunteers, community members, friends and family who have worked tirelessly to find AJ,” they added. “AJ is fine. Keep your kids close.”