German Backpacker Survives 11 Days in Harsh Australian Outback

Carolina Wilga, who became lost in the Australian outback for 11 nights, was found in poor condition but is recovering after facing exhaustion and dehydration. Her survival was credited to her resourcefulness, as she relied on rainwater and whatever limited supplies she had.

In a remarkable survival story, 26-year-old Carolina Wilga from Germany was rescued after enduring 11 harrowing nights lost in the unforgiving Australian outback. According to police reports, her ordeal began when her van became stuck in dense bushland near Beacon, Western Australia. It is believed that Wilga, disoriented and confused, walked approximately 24km (15 miles) away from her vehicle.

The young backpacker manages to survive the elements by drinking rainwater and puddles, and by rationing her minimal food supplies. Rescuers reported that she suffered from exhaustion, dehydration, extensive insect bites, and an injured foot. Acting police inspector Jessica Securo described the outcome as fortunate, stating that the rescue relied heavily on “sheer luck.”

Carolina’s plight captured public attention when Tania Henley, a passerby, spotted her waving for help by the side of the road. Henley recounted that Wilga appeared to be in a fragile state, barefoot and bandaging her injured foot. “Everything in this bush is very prickly. I just can't believe that she survived,” Henley stated in an interview.

Prior to her rescue, Carolina was last seen at a local general store on June 29. Her abandoned vehicle was discovered on Thursday in a remote area, which police believe became bogged down due to mechanical issues. Currently, Wilga is recuperating in a Perth hospital, reported to have had a restful night and is focusing on her recovery, living “one day at a time.”