German Backpacker Found Alive in Australian Outback After 12 Days

A German tourist named Carolina Wilga was found alive and well in Australia’s remote Outback after being missing for 12 days. The 26-year-old backpacker had been spotted in a general store in the town of Beacon, 200 miles northeast of Perth, on June 29. Her van, equipped with solar panels and drinking water, was discovered abandoned in the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, sparking a search effort.

Wilga’s whereabouts were unknown for two days before a member of the public found her walking on a forest trail late Friday morning. She was in a fragile state but had no serious injuries and was flown to a hospital in Perth for treatment. The Western Australia Police Force said it was a “great result” for Wilga’s family and those involved in the search.

The search area, which covers over 740,000 acres, is considered a hostile environment due to its flora and fauna. Temperatures were reported to be around 36.7°F on Thursday, with no rain in the area. Police believe that Wilga’s van became stuck in mud, and she was not a victim of crime.

The rescue comes after another dramatic incident involving an Australian surfer who was rescued from an uninhabited island after spending a night at sea.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/carolina-wilga-german-backpacker-found-australia-missing-12-days-outback