German Backpacker Rescued After Twelve Days Lost in the Outback

A 26-year-old German backpacker, Caroline Wilga, was found after spending 11 nights lost in the outback, relying on rainwater and sheltering in a cave. After a severe car accident led her to leave her vehicle in confusion, she was ultimately discovered by a passing motorist.

Caroline Wilga, a 26-year-old backpacker from Germany, has shared her heartfelt appreciation after being rescued following an ordeal of nearly two weeks stranded in the unforgiving landscape of Western Australia. The young woman went missing for 11 nights, navigating the harsh conditions of the bushland by consuming rainwater from puddles and seeking refuge in a nearby cave.

In an emotional statement shared on Instagram by Western Australia Police, Wilga expressed profound gratitude for her survival and the community support that played a crucial role in her rescue. She revealed that her journey into the bush began after a serious car accident led to confusion and a disorientation, causing her to abandon her vehicle, which was later found in an area of dense vegetation.

Ms. Wilga was ultimately discovered by Tania Henley, a local motorist, over 30 kilometers from where she had left her van. Henley described the moment she spotted Wilga, who was barefoot and visibly exhausted, as she waved for help on the roadside. According to Henley, Wilga appeared in a fragile state, suffering from dehydration and scratches due to the prickly bush surroundings.

Prior to her harrowing experience, Wilga was last seen on June 29 at a general store in Beacon, where she had last parked her van. She has since praised the medical staff, the German consulate, and the various individuals who participated in the search efforts, claiming that the communal support was a vital source of strength during her darkest days.

Reflecting on her experience, Wilga expressed newfound appreciation for the culture and community in Western Australia, stating that they have shown her true humanity, solidarity, and care for one another. "I am deeply impressed by the courage, helpfulness, and warmth that has been shown to me here," she stated, highlighting her transformation from feeling like an outsider to embracing a sense of belonging.

As she continues her recovery in a Perth hospital, her rescue is being hailed by authorities as a remarkable story of survival, attributed in part to good fortune. The local police have also recognized the sheer luck involved in her discovery and the compassion displayed by those who helped her along the way.