Gach Top failed to show up for a night shift on July 28, just hours after the 26-year-old man spoke to his family on the phone.

Police found his red Mazda on Larapinta Drive the next morning.

Concerns for his well-being heightened as search teams combed through 500 kilometers of “difficult terrain” roughly 21 kilometers west of Alice Springs without success. As temperatures dipped to minus 0.5 degrees on Thursday and fluctuated between 0 and 2 degrees for the rest of the week, worries intensified.

The search was suspended over the weekend, and the matter was handed over to the NT Police Southern Crime Division for investigation.

“I want to express gratitude to all the search teams who have worked tirelessly covering a vast area over the past five days. Sadly, it has not yielded the result we had hoped for,” Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr stated when the search was halted.

Top’s family was informed of the decision.

However, by yesterday evening, community members located Top near Jay Creek outstation, approximately 45 kilometers from the point he was reported missing.

St John NT Ambulance Services director Andrew Thomas said Top was spotted walking dazed and confused after becoming lost in the bush.

“He told responders he had survived by drinking water from discarded bottles found along the roadside,” he said.

“We applaud the local community members whose alertness ensured a safe resolution to this ordeal. Their efforts were likely crucial to the positive outcome.”

Top was treated by paramedics for dehydration before being taken to the Alice Springs Hospital for further care.

Thomas said he was “incredibly relieved” Top had been found and that it was an experience “no one should have to endure”.

“This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared when venturing into remote areas,” he said.