Lost German Backpacker Rescued After Miraculous 11-Day Ordeal in Outback

Caroline Wilga, a German backpacker, survived nearly two weeks lost in the Western Australian outback by finding shelter and drinking from puddles. After being rescued, she credited the support of rescuers and the local community for her survival.

Caroline Wilga, a 26-year-old German backpacker, expressed her heartfelt gratitude following her rescue after 11 challenging nights lost in the Western Australian outback. Found in a fragile state by a passing motorist, Wilga had survived by taking refuge in a cave and drinking rainwater from puddles.

In a poignant statement shared via Western Australia Police’s Instagram, she recounted her disorienting experience after a car accident left her confused and separated from her vehicle. “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 noted.

Wilga’s adventure turned perilous after she crashed her van on June 29. Despite having food and water, she fled the vehicle in a panic and became lost in the rugged bushland. Ultimately, she was discovered by Tania Henley, a motorist who spotted her 30km away from her abandoned van, clearly suffering from exhaustion and dehydration.

Describing Henley as her “saviour and angel,” Wilga praised the outpouring of support from authorities and the local community during her ordeal. “The strength from all the people who believed in me kept me going in my darkest moments,” she stated.

Prior to her rescue, Wilga, who was last seen at a local store, expressed profound appreciation for the kindness shown to her during a life-altering experience that has forever reshaped her understanding of community and humanity.