A German backpacker was “extremely lucky” to flag down a motorist which led to her discovery after spending nearly two weeks in the rugged Australian outback.
Carolina Wilga, 26, was last seen at a general store in the Western Australian wheatbelt town of Beacon on June 29, some 300km northeast of Perth.
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Her disappearance triggered a massive search after a desperate plea for help from her mother amid concerns for her daughter’s safety.
Late on Friday afternoon, she managed to flag down a passing motorist who alerted the police that Wilga was alive.
“Extremely lucky and we’re extremely grateful to that member of the community who helped us,” WA Police Acting Inspector Jessica Securo said on Saturday.
She was distressed, exhausted, dehydrated and needed some food when she was found.
“Overall, (she was) just relieved that she had come across someone and was able to get that help,” Securo said.
The WA outback area has “challenging” terrains and Securo said Wilga likely thought she was never going to come across someone for help, but luckily she did.
Wilga was flown to a hospital in Perth for medical treatment after being ravaged by mosquitoes while spending days lost in tough terrain, where temperatures dropped to zero at night.
“She’s receiving some medical attention and just some emotional support,” Securo said.
“She was out in the wilderness for about 11 days so she’s going to need some support wrapped around her.”
WA Police had earlier said Wilga “covered a lot of ground” during her “amazing journey” and it was a testimony to her bravery.
“I think once we do hear her story, it will be a remarkable story,” Inspector Martin Glynn told reporters on Friday.
“She’s obviously coped in some amazing conditions.”
As to whether Wilga will continue her great Australian adventure after the ordeal, WA Police said she will likely take some time to recover.
“Her priority is just getting that medical care,” Securo said.
“She is in touch with her family.
“… we’ll let things settle for a little while and then she’ll reassess from there.”
Wilga’s Mitsubishi van was found in dense bushland on Thursday in the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, about 35km from the main track.
It was bogged in mud following rain and she had tried to free it but had apparently failed.
Wilga left the car in an attempt to seek help elsewhere.
Authorities combed the surrounding area on foot and by air but were unable to find her.
Wilga’s mother previously pleaded for anyone with information about her daughter to contact authorities.
WA Premier Roger Cook said the news of Wilga’s survival “is nothing short of remarkable” and thanks emergency services and those who searched.
“We’re yet to have the full picture of what happened, but tonight, we can all breathe a little easier knowing Carolina is safe and well,” he posted on social media.
