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Amazing moment rescue crews save bushwalker lost for three days

This is the incredible moment of salvation a bushwalker was winched to safety by rescue crews after spending three days lost and freezing in northern New South Wales.

The exclusive helmet-cam footage was obtained by 7 News and shows the moment emergency service crews hold out their hand and pull the lost man to safety.

After 51 hours of searching, a Westpac Helicopter spotted a makeshift camp located on a ridge at Torrington State Forest. Photo: 7 News
After 51 hours of searching, a Westpac Helicopter spotted a makeshift camp located on a ridge at Torrington State Forest. Photo: 7 News
This is the incredible a shows the moment a Westpac Helicopter team member held out their hand to pull the lost bushwalker to safety. Photo: 7 News
This is the incredible a shows the moment a Westpac Helicopter team member held out their hand to pull the lost bushwalker to safety. Photo: 7 News

On Tuesday April 10, the 69-year-old man set out on a trek in the Torrington State Forest near Deepwater but never found his way back.

At about 3:10pm that afternoon the man was reported missing to Glen Innes police after he hadn't returned to his car.

New England Police, the State Emergency Service, the Westpac helicopter, the Rural Fire Service and volunteers searched for the man in the thick bushland.

After 51 hours, a Westpac Helicopter spotted a makeshift camp located on a ridge the man made to keep himself warm during freezing temperatures.

“He set up a small-makeshift campsite that kept him dry, kept him warm overnight,” Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter's chief executive Stephen Leahy told 7 News.

On Tuesday, the 69-year-old man set out on a trek in the Torrington State Forest near Deepwater but never found his way back. Photo: 7 News
On Tuesday, the 69-year-old man set out on a trek in the Torrington State Forest near Deepwater but never found his way back. Photo: 7 News
Extremely grateful to his saviours, the 69-year-old man told emergency crews, 'I’m glad to see you,' once he was on board. Photo: 7 News
Extremely grateful to his saviours, the 69-year-old man told emergency crews, 'I’m glad to see you,' once he was on board. Photo: 7 News

Mr Leahy says the bushwalker was found fatigued and dehydrated and was airlifted to hospital for medical treatment and observation.

"He's been very lucky and another night in the bush we would've had a very different outcome," Mr Leahy said.

During both the nights, temperatures in Glen Innes dropped to about three to four degrees each night.

Extremely grateful to his saviours, the man told emergency crews, "I’m glad to see you," once he was on board.

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