After nearly two weeks lost in the wilderness, 26-year-old German backpacker Caroline Wilga has been found safe and sound. Surviving on rainwater and taking shelter in a cave, she credits her survival to the kindness and support of others during her ordeal.
Lost German Backpacker Rescued After 11 Days in the Outback
Lost German Backpacker Rescued After 11 Days in the Outback
Caroline Wilga expresses immense gratitude following her dramatic rescue in Western Australia's bushland.
A German backpacker who endured 11 harrowing days lost in the rugged outback of Western Australia has voiced her overwhelming gratitude for being rescued. Caroline Wilga, 26, was found on Friday after a grueling survival experience that left her drinking rainwater and taking refuge in a cave.
In a heartfelt statement after her rescue, Wilga shared that she had sustained a significant head injury after losing control of her van which ultimately led her to leave her vehicle in a disoriented state. She expressed her appreciation for the medical team, the German consulate, and the countless individuals involved in the search for her.
"I want to express a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart – a thank you that truly comes from the depth of my soul," she stated. Wilga described her feelings of confusion after the crash, admitting she was unsure of why she had abandoned her car despite having food and supplies at her disposal.
The backpacker recounted how the ordeal transformed her perspective on culture and community, saying, "Western Australia has taught me what it really means to be part of a true community." She praised the outpouring of support she received, which fueled her resolve during the toughest moments of her survival.
Wilga was discovered barefoot by motorist Tania Henley, whom she hailed as her "saviour and angel." Henley recounted that when she found Wilga, the backpacker appeared weary and dehydrated, with signs of injury from the harsh conditions of the bushland.
The last confirmed sighting of Wilga was at a general store in Beacon on June 29, before her disappearance. Following a meticulous search, Wilga's abandoned vehicle was located a day before her rescue, prompting efforts that ultimately led to her safe recovery. Acting police inspector Jessica Securo remarked on the nature of the rescue, emphasizing the element of "sheer luck" involved in finding Wilga alive.
