The 11-year-old’s, who has autism, amazing survival is a reflection of his resilience. Upon finding him, he was initially assessed as suffering exhaustion, dehydration and hypothermia.
The director of emergency medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Professor George Braitberg, explained that Luke was lucky to escape more serious medical issues.
“The exposure out in the elements is a really significant event,” he said.
“And it’s great he has survived it. I think resilience and lucky are probably two good words to use.
“Without food or water for five days you would expect him to be very weak and unable to walk or stand.”
Luke’s survival is considered to be ‘particularly extraordinary’ because his autism may have made it difficult to identify dangers and hazards in the wilderness, especially if moving around at night.
Rescuers shared that once Luke was reunited with his parents, Rachel and Tim, he was “one happy boy”.
Luke’s uncle, Peter Roberts spoke for the family, thanking the search agencies and the volunteers who had swarmed to Lake Eildon to join the rescue effort.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response,” he said.
“We’re very thankful that we live in a society that puts a lot of effort into finding children who go missing.
“We’re very happy Luke was found alive and well even after such a long time… we’re just rejoicing.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Easter Region Rick Nugent said Luke seemed to be well and described him as “one strong, courageous and determined young man”.
Acting Sergeant Brad Pascoe spotted Luke from the helicopter.
“It wasn’t much but it was enough to make me get the guys to turn the aircraft around,” he said.
“We were just absolutely over the moon. All of us in the crew are parents ourselves and we can only imagine what Luke’s parents were going through.”
Watch the moment rescuers found Luke in the video player above
