A northern Tasmanian man who has been missing in bushland near Launceston for four days has been found alive, police say.
Corey Chugg, 32, of Longford, was collecting firewood at Mount Barrow near Nunamara on Sunday with a friend when the pair became separated.
He was reported missing to Tasmania Police on Monday afternoon.
Tasmania Police said he was found about 12:30pm today 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,” police said in a statement.
“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.”
Police said Mr Chugg was assessed by paramedics then winched out by the rescue helicopter and taken to the Launceston General Hospital for treatment.
Inspector Aleena Crack gave an update on the search for Corey Chugg on Wednesday. (ABC News: Emily Smith)
Tasmania Police Inspector Aleena Crack said favourable weather conditions helped Mr Chugg survive.
“Mr Chugg has been really fortunate the last few days,” Inspector Crack said.
“The conditions were quite mild, up until last night where it started to get a little bit colder.
“Thankfully there was water around, and he’s been able to keep himself busy, occupied, and as well as possible.”
She said Mr Chugg was “incredibly grateful to be found”.
Further enquiries to come, but police not treating situation as suspicious
Inspector Crack would not elaborate on why Mr Chugg was in the bushland or how he became separated from his friend.
“We’ll make further enquiries as to the purpose of Corey and his friend being in the bush,” she said.
“At this point in time, I’m not able to comment. I think it’s important he gets his medical treatment first, before I start posing questions to him.
“Corey’s friend has been helping us throughout and been assisting us with our enquiries.
“At this point in time, I’m not going to comment as to the reason, until we’ve spoken a bit further with Corey himself.”
Inspector Crack said there would be a follow-up investigation, but the situation was not being treated as suspicious.
Police, volunteers and the rescue helicopter were involved in the search for Corey Chugg. (ABC News: Emily Smith)
Ground crews made up of police and volunteers, as well as a police helicopter and drone, were deployed to help find Mr Chugg.
“We’ve poured a lot of resources into trying to find a missing person, which we would at any time … time and money is not important when you’re trying to save someone’s life,” Inspector Crack said.
“It’s always a great relief when we find somebody alive and well. Much better than any alternative outcome, and everybody is really happy with how it’s gone today.”
Yesterday, police said the two men had ventured into bushland near Nunamara, which is about 20 kilometres north-east of Launceston.
They had planned to conduct the trip together and return home, but at some point became separated and did not return home together, police said.
Inspector Crack said Mr Chugg had his mobile phone with him, and the search area was narrowed down using “phone pings”.