German Backpacker Survives 11 Days Lost in Australia’s Harsh Outback

German backpacker Carolina Wilga spent 11 nights lost and alone in Western Australia's outback, surviving against all odds by drinking rainwater and seeking shelter in a cave, according to authorities.

Carolina Wilga, a 26-year-old backpacker from Germany, was found after a grueling 11 days lost in the Western Australian outback. Police reported that she had to rely on rainwater and residual food supplies during her ordeal. Wilga, disoriented and exhausted, had wandered approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) from her stranded van, which became stuck in dense bushland.

The desperate search concluded when a passerby, Tania Henley, spotted Wilga waving for help by the roadside. Despite her fragile state, with extensive insect bites and an injured foot wrapped in makeshift binders, she was airlifted to a hospital in Perth, where she spent her first night sleeping soundly.

Before her rescue on Friday, Wilga was last seen on June 29 at a general store, after which her van was discovered bogged down and disabled in the wilderness. Acting Police Inspector Jessica Securo attributed her survival to "sheer luck" and expressed gratitude for the community members who helped in the search.

Wilga's family expressed relief and gratitude for her safe return as she begins the process of recovering from the traumatic experience.