A German backpacker, Carolina Wilga, has been found safe after spending 11 freezing nights lost in the Western Australian outback. The 26-year-old had wandered away from her vehicle and became disoriented, leading to a desperate search by police and volunteers.
Wilga was spotted on Friday afternoon by a passing car driver who stopped to assist her. She was described as “exhausted, dehydrated and hungry” but received medical attention and support from the public. Her family had been searching for her since she went missing on June 29th.
The police investigation revealed that Wilga had taken risks while trying to find help, including using the sun’s position to head west and drinking water from rain puddles. She eventually sought shelter in a cave but was found by a local resident who described it as a “miracle” that she survived for 12 days without food or shelter.
The police and rescue teams praised Wilga’s bravery and resilience, saying that her survival is a testament to human spirit. The WA Police Acting Det Insp Jessica Securo stated that the area is a challenging environment with mixed terrain, which can be easy to get lost in. She also highlighted the importance of staying with one’s vehicle and using beacon signals to attract attention.
The rescue operation was supported by local residents who used their knowledge of the outback to help find Wilga. A survival expert, Gordon Dedman, echoed this advice, saying that people should prioritize their needs, such as finding shelter and water, and use “survival muscle” to conserve energy.
WA Premier Roger Cook expressed relief that Wilga was found safe and well, praising the efforts of police, volunteers, and the public who came together to support her rescue.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/12/carolina-wilga-missing-german-backpacker-found-after-11-nights-dense-australian-outback