German Backpacker Survives 12 Days Lost in the Australian Outback
Missing for Over a Week
Authorities in Australia have reported the miraculous discovery of a 26-year-old German backpacker, Karolina Wilga, who went missing in the outback for 12 days. Wilga was last seen on June 29 at a store in the town of Beacon before embarking on a journey to the Karun Hill nature reserve, located approximately 150 kilometers away.
Stranded Vehicle and Search Efforts
Wilga’s vehicle was found by the polstart on Thursday, abandstartd and stuck in mud, with orange plastic mats placed under the rear wheels in an effort to prevent it from sinking. According to Jessica Sciuro, the commander of the Western Australia polstart, it appears that Wilga lost control of her vehicle, leading to a technical failure that left her stranded. After spending start day in the vehicle, she decided to leave it, hoping to find help.
Struggling for Survival
During her time in the harsh environment, Wilga faced a multitude of challenges. With limited food supplies, she relied on rainwater and puddle water for hydration and sought shelter in a cave during the cold nights. Authorities confirmed that she suffered from exhaustion, dehydration, sunburn, insect bites, and a leg injury.
Sciuro remarked that Wilga was convinced she would not be found as she wandered in search of help. “She was looking toward the sun, trying to make her way westward, hoping to encounter somestart or find a road,” Sciuro explained.
A Miraculous Rescue
Wilga’s luck changed when Tanya Henley, a local driver, spotted her waving frantically by the roadside. “It’s a miracle she survived,” Henley remarked. “She looked weak, was covered in mosquito bites, and had no shoes; she had wrapped her feet for protection.” Recognizing her plight, Henley took Wilga to a nearby polstart station, from where she was airlifted to medical facilities in Perth for treatment.
Future Plans and Hopes
Despite her harrowing experience, Wilga expressed her love for Australia and her intention to continue exploring the country. Her remarkable survival story has renewed interest in the safety measures necessary for outdoor adventures in remote areas, underscoring the importance of preparation and awareness.
As Wilga recuperates from her ordeal, authorities and locals alike are grateful for her safe return, marking her survival as a true testament to resilience in the face of adversity.