Missing NSW hiker Hadi Nazari. Photo: Supplied / NSW Police Force
New South Wales police say they have found fresh clues in the search for a hiker who went missing in the Snowy Mountains area nearly two weeks ago.
Hadi Nazari went hiking with two friends in Kosciuszko National Park on 22 December and was due to return home five days later.
On the last day of the trip, Nazari left the group to take photographs near the Hannels Spur Trail at Geehi.
The 23-year-old was reported missing after he failed to arrive at the remote campground where the group had planned to meet.
Police have revealed more items thought to belong to Nazari were found by searchers on Sunday.
They included a camera, camera case, and a lighter found beside the remnants of a small campfire.
Riverina police district commander Superintendent Andrew Spliet said authorities were trying to figure out when the 23-year-old was last in the area.
NSW police generic Photo: AFP
"We are trying to determine how long ago that little campfire was lit," he said.
"That will give us if we can determine that, some sort of timeline of when he was last in that area.
"That area is now an increased focus for us with this search."
Spliet said search efforts would continue until authorities were "content that we've covered every area that we possibly can".
The search has so far involved about 300 people, including members of Nazari's family.
"They are out there assisting," Spliet said.
"It is very thick, very dense bushland."
Items show hiker is 'moving around'
On New Year's Eve authorities discovered more items believed to belong to Nazari, including hiking poles and rubbish.
The items were found near Kosciuszko Creek, which subsequently refocused the search efforts around the surrounding water sources in the area.
"He has access to water, so that is the reason we are still out here," Spliet said.
Police said the camera gear and campfire were found at the top of a mountain spur, "some distance" from the equipment located earlier in the search.
"He's obviously moving around, trying to get where his bearings are," Spliet said.
The area has been described as the "most rugged terrain in NSW".
Kosciuszko National Park. The search area is described as the "most rugged terrain" in NSW. Photo: Christian Bass / Unsplash
NSW police set up a command post on 27 December and specially trained bushwalkers from the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and State Emergency Service (SES) have been among those searching for Nazari.
Dozens of specialist volunteers have been airlifted into the area by helicopter each day to take part in the search.
Spliet said police had liaised with "survival experts" who continued to assess Nazari's chances of survival.
"We will rely on that expert evidence, in relation to how long this [search] continues," he said.
"We are very hopeful."
- ABC
