Rescuers hopeful missing teenage hiker 'alive and safe'

Rescuers are maintaining hope that 18-year-old Lily Hooper, who went missing during a hike in Nattai National Park five days ago, remains alive and unharmed. The Oakdale teen, an experienced bushwalker, left the trail on Wednesday evening and was unable to be reached via her mobile phone, prompting a massive rescue operation. Despite the search spanning the weekend, no trace of Ms Hooper has been found.

Detective Inspector Brendan Bernie affirmed that the mission remains a rescue effort, emphasizing their belief that Lily is somewhere within the dense bushland. A man claiming to be her father implored Australians to support the search by crossing their fingers and offering positive energy. The rescue team, comprising NSW Police, Rural Fire Service, and the State Emergency Service, has faced challenging conditions including rugged terrain, cold, wet, and foggy weather.

Police have employed thermal imaging helicopters at night and have revisited any telecommunications data potentially emitted by Ms Hooper's phone.