Carolina Wilga, a 26-year-old backpacker from Germany, was found safe after spending 11 harrowing nights lost in the unforgiving terrain of Western Australia's outback. Rescuers reported that Wilga had battled exhaustion and dehydration while relying on her limited food stores and rainwater from puddles to stay alive.
On her journey, she had become disoriented, wandering 24 kilometers (15 miles) from her van, which had gotten stuck in the bushland. Wilga was reported missing after last being seen at a local store in Beacon on June 29. Her family expressed deep gratitude for her safe return, reflecting the emotional weight of the situation.
Acting police inspector Jessica Securo described Wilga’s survival as “sheer luck,” noting that her resilience in the face of such challenging conditions is nothing short of remarkable. Rescued after being spotted waving for help by a passerby, Tania Henley, Wilga was airlifted to a Perth hospital, where she received treatment for insect bites, injuries, and severe fatigue.
“Everything in this bush is very prickly. I just can't believe that she survived,” Henley told the ABC. Wilga was found with her foot wrapped, signaling her struggle while trying to traverse the rough landscape also populated with sharp vegetation.
Now receiving medical care, Ms. Wilga has had a restful night in the hospital and is approaching recovery with a positive outlook, taking each day as it comes while reflecting on her remarkable ordeal.
