German backpacker found alive after two weeks lost in Australian bush

1News

2 days ago

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)
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"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.
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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.
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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."