Hamilton homicide: Neighbours warned of gunman on loose after man found dead
As police descended on the northeastern suburb of Chartwell after a 31-year-old man was fatally shot at
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1News
19 minutes ago
- 1News
German backpacker flagged down motorist leading to discovery
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. 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 told Nine's Today Show on Saturday. ADVERTISEMENT 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," Insp 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." New images of Carolina Wilga's bogged van on Friday showed just how badly bogged and remote it was when the backpacker decided to abandon it. (Source: Nine) ADVERTISEMENT 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." ADVERTISEMENT 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. ADVERTISEMENT "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.
1News
19 minutes ago
- 1News
German backpacker found alive after two weeks lost in Australian bush
A "brave" German backpacker is recovering in hospital after being found alive following almost two weeks missing in the 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. 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 was found walking on a bush track by a member of the public. German backpacker Carolina Wilga. (Source: WA Police) ADVERTISEMENT "She's obviously been through a great deal," WA Police Inspector Martin Glynn told reporters. "She does have some injuries. She's been ravaged by mosquitoes." Wilga was flown to a hospital in Perth for medical treatment after spending days lost in tough terrain, where temperatures dropped to zero at night. "I think once we do hear her story, it will be a remarkable story," Inspector Glynn said, adding that it was a "great result" for the backpacker's family and those involved in the search. "She's obviously coped in some amazing conditions. "There's a very hostile environment out there, both from flora and fauna. It's a really, really challenging environment." Glynn said Wilga had "covered a lot of ground" during her "amazing journey" and it was a testimony to her bravery. ADVERTISEMENT Wilga did not appear to have any serious injuries, but she had a lot of minor ones, he said. "She's endured a lot... [and is] in quite a fragile condition," he said. New images of Carolina Wilga's bogged van on Friday showed just how badly bogged and remote it was when the backpacker decided to abandon it. (Source: Nine) Wilga's Mitsubishi van was found in dense bushland on Thursday in the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, about 35km from the main track. "It's a miracle they've actually spotted the car, to be honest," IGlynn said earlier. It was bogged in mud following rain and she had tried to free it but had apparently failed. Authorities combed the surrounding area on foot and by air but were unable to find Ms Wilga. ADVERTISEMENT 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. "To our emergency services and everyone who searched, shared information, and supported the family through this ordeal — thank you." he posted on social media. "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."
Otago Daily Times
39 minutes ago
- Otago Daily Times
Catlins sea lion deaths: Reward soars to $50k
Catlins sea lion Jade with her new pup, on the banks of the Clutha River, in February last year. PHOTO: NICK BROOK The reward to find those responsible for the deaths of three sealions in the Catlins has more than quadrupled since it was increased earlier this week. A benefactor, who wished to remain anonymous, has given permission for the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust (NZSLT) to raise the reward offered to $50,000. The trust initially offered a $5000 reward after a sea lion pup was found dead from shotgun wounds in the Catlins area, on September 22 last year. Two weeks later, Jade, the pup's mother, was also found shot dead. After a necropsy performed on a third dead sea lion, they found it may have been stabbed at Waipati Beach in November and left to die. The necropsy, conducted at Massey University, found the sea lion had fractures to her left humerus and ninth thoracic vertebra, and the cause of the injuries was ''most consistent with a human-induced stabbing''. Earlier this week, support from the Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance (Opera) and donations from community members allowed NZSLT to increase the reward from $5000 to $12,000. Now that number has more than quadrupled. in a statement, NZSLT said they were 'incredibly grateful to receive the most recent financial assistance from our amazing benefactor''. ''These deaths have made it a very tough and emotional year for the Trust and all of the volunteers involved. ''However, the positive side of this horrific situation has been the responses we have received. It has become clear to us, that there are many individuals and organisations in New Zealand that care deeply about our pakake and are as appalled as we are about these senseless deaths.'' They hoped the new $50,000 reward would encourage anyone who had information to come forward. ''These actions are reprehensible and the public are seeking justice.'' NZSLT asks anyone with information relating to any of the three sea lion deaths to make contact at info@ Any contact and information would be dealt in strictly confidentially. - APL
