Missing Man Found Alive After Week in Outback

A 26-year-old man missing in the Central Australian outback for a week has been found alive near Jay Creek outstation, close to where police had earlier located some of his clothing.

Local resident Matthew Campbell said his two aunties spotted Gach Top walking along the fence line of the Aboriginal homeland wearing only underwear and a jumper, and appearing injured.

“They pulled up and told us, ‘There’s somebody walking there… he’s sort of crippled,’” Mr Campbell said. The women drove to the main road, called out to him, and confirmed it was the missing man.

Mr Campbell said they brought Mr Top to their home, giving him water and blankets to warm him up.

Mr Top’s sister and mother were on their way back from Hermannsburg, where they had been searching, when they received the news on Monday evening.

Northern Territory Police confirmed he was taken to hospital for assessment and thanked the public for their assistance.

Mr Top was last seen west of Alice Springs on August 4. His vehicle was found about 14.5 kilometres from town, sparking a large-scale search covering 500 square kilometres.

Police suspended the official search on Saturday, handing the case to the NT Police Southern Crime Division. Family and community members continued looking on the Monday public holiday, focusing on areas where his belongings had been found.

His father, David Kong, said he was overjoyed after hearing from his wife and daughter that his son was alive and well.