German Backpacker Rescued After Nearly Two Weeks Lost in Australian Outback

A 26-year-old German backpacker, Caroline Wilga, was rescued after spending nearly two weeks lost in the Western Australian outback. Expressing gratitude for the community support and medical assistance she received, Wilga shared her harrowing experience and the lessons learned from her ordeal.

Caroline Wilga, a 26-year-old backpacker from Germany, emerged from a near two-week ordeal in the outback of Western Australia, expressing profound gratitude upon her rescue. Having survived 11 nights lost in the bush, Wilga recounted her experience after being airlifted to a Perth hospital on Friday.

The ordeal began when Wilga lost control of her van, which then rolled down a slope, leading to a head injury that contributed to her confusion and decision to leave her vehicle, despite having water, food, and clothing inside. Spotted by a passing motorist, Wilga was discovered 30 kilometers from her abandoned van, in a "fragile state," suffering from dehydration, injuries, and exhaustion.

In a heartfelt statement, Wilga conveyed her thanks to the various entities that assisted in her recovery, including the medical staff and the local community, stating, "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." Reflecting on her experience in a foreign culture, she mentioned how the kindness and support she received made her feel a part of a community that values humanity and solidarity.

Tania Henley, the motorist who found Wilga, described the state of distress she was in, noting the challenges of the prickly bushland surrounding her. Prior to her rescue, the last confirmed sighting of Wilga was on June 29 at a local store in Beacon, WA.

Police have acknowledged the miraculous nature of her rescue, and Wilga herself credits the collective effort from the community and search teams, stating that their support provided her with the strength to continue during her darkest hours. According to acting police inspector Jessica Securo, the successful outcome was largely due to "sheer luck," highlighting the unpredictable nature of survival in such conditions.