How German backpacker Carolina Wilga survived, surprising admission after 11 days in Western Australia outback
The German backpacker who miraculously survived 11 days in the Western Australian outback has made a surprising admission after her rescue.
Carolina Wilga was brought to safety on Friday afternoon after she flagged down a passing motorist on a remote dirt road.
The 26-year-old tourist is now in a stable condition at Fiona Stanley Hospital, where she is believed to be in “high spirits”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Acting Detective Inspector Jessica Securo from WA Police revealed on Saturday that she had spoken to Ms Wilga, who told her that despite the traumatic ordeal, she still “loves Australia” and plans to continue travelling the country.
“She hasn’t made it over to the East Coast yet, so that’s still on her bucket list. So I think if she has the ability to stay, she definitely will,” she said.
“She’s had a good night’s sleep. She’s had a shower. We’ve got some food, which was a massive relief for her. She’s just taking it one day at a time at the moment.”
Police on Saturday said Ms Wilga became “lost and disorientated” while travelling through the Karroun Hill nature reserve.
When trying to search for a way out, she lost control of her Mitsubishi van.
After spending just one day with her van, which became bogged and “mechanically unsound” about 36km from any track, Ms Wilga endured 11 nights on foot, facing the harsh outback conditions.
She survived by drinking water from puddles, sleeping in a cave and eating the little food that was left in her van.
Across 11 days, Ms Wilga travelled 24km west from her vehicle by following the sun, before managing to flag down Wheatbelt resident, Tania French, as she was driving on Mouroubra Road around Bimbijy.
Covered in mosquito bites, dehydrated and starving, Ms Wilga was flown to Perth for medical treatment.
WA Premier Roger Cook said it was extraordinary that the young tourist was able to survive in the outback for 11 nights.
“I can’t imagine how traumatic it was for her, and I can’t imagine the elation that her mother and her family, and her friends, must have felt when they reported that she had been found safe.”
Ms Wilga is expected to stay in hospital for several more days.
