THIS is the incredible moment a police helicopter spotted a missing three-year-old autistic boy drinking muddy water from a puddle after 72 hours alone in the Outback.
Rescue teams found Anthony “AJ” Elfalak three days after he vanished from home in a remote part of the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia.
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The youngster, who is nonverbal, had last been seen just before noon on Friday.
His disappearance sparked a massive search operation at the family’s 650-acre property involving police, emergency services and volunteers, reports News.com.au.
Then at 11.30am on Monday the chopper crew spotted him drinking from a creek.
Rescuers on foot found him alive and well, but covered in mud after spending three days by himself outside.
In the clip shared by New South Wales Police, a rescue can be heard saying "I've got the boy."
Authorities said AJ had a few scrapes to his lower legs and his clothes were wet but was otherwise healthy.
Footage also showed an emotional reunion with his parents.
His relieved dad Anthony said it was a "miracle."
He told reporters at the scene: "He’s just clinging to Mum.
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"I know I was acting frantic, but no one can understand what it’s like going through what we went through. I feel incredible.
"It’s a miracle. He has been bitten by ants and he has fallen over but he is alive. He is alive. It’s amazing.
"My leg, my hips, my ankles, I can’t walk. I have been in the bush for four days with no sleep. We didn’t stop.
'IT'S A MIRACLE'
"He was all wet and he was drinking water … We had searched that area head to toe, SES, police the first day it happened, I went around with the police, I don’t know. It’s a miracle."
Superintendent Tracy Chapman from the Hunter Valley Police District said officers were able to pinpoint the boy after seeing "some movement."
She said: "They were able to clearly identify a small boy in a puddle in a creek bed.
"(Being) so close to water is potentially what gave him that opportunity to survive."
NSW Ambulance’s Gerry Pyke said the three-year-old's spirits "picked up" once he got a cuddle from his mum and dad.
"He was slipping (into sleep) the whole time which (is) not surprising, once he woke up all he wanted to do was eat," Mr Pyke said.
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"He got stuck into about three slices of pizza and a banana so he is pretty good."
Mr Elfalak said the boy would be taken to Singleton hospital for a full check-up.
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