Amazing: 11-yr old girl found alive in alligator-infested swamp

An 11-year-old girl has been found alive four days after she disappeared into an alligator-infested swamp near her Florida home.

Doctors say Nadia Bloom, who has Asperger's Syndrome, is suffering from nothing more than dehydration and insect bites. Police chief Kevin Brunelle told reporters: "If I never believed in miracles, I sure do now."

He said Nadia had thanked her rescuers saying: "I'm glad you guys found me. I can't believe you guys rescued me."

During the search for Nadia Bloom who was found alive in an alligator-infested swamp in Florida, US

Nadia's family believe she went into dense woods near her home in Longwood in Florida on Friday to make a nature video. It took nearly two hours for rescuers to carry Nadia out of the thick brush and swamp after she was located.

Police said she was found by James King, who goes to church with her family. He discovered her on a dry patch in the middle of the swamp and called authorities. Mr King climbed a tree and unfurled toilet paper in an attempt to draw attention to where they were.

Chief Brunelle said he dispatched a helicopter to look for Mr King and Nadia, but it did not work. Eventually police used mobile phone signals to find them. Missing Nadia Bloom was found alive in an alligator-infested swamp in Florida, US

The officer said: "Mr King is a hero right now. He led us to her."

Detectives are now questioning both Mr King and Nadia over the rescue and how the little girl spent her time while she was missing. They say Nadia has told them that she had not talked to anyone since going into the woods on Friday.

A search for Nadia began in wooded areas near Lake Jesup, one of the most alligator-filled lakes in Central Florida, after she was last seen riding her bike on Friday. Authorities became alarmed when they found her bike and helmet.

After her discovery, her father Jeff said: "It all came so fast and it just shows the compassion of the human spirit. It should give everybody encouragement."

"I can't even describe it. Let's give the glory to God."


/Sky News/