A backpacker lost for almost two weeks in the rugged terrain of Western Australia has shared her heartfelt gratitude after being rescued. Caroline Wilga, a 26-year-old from Germany, was discovered on Friday after enduring 11 cold nights alone in the wilderness. She managed to stay alive by drinking rainwater from puddles and taking shelter in a cave.
In her initial public comments since her dramatic rescue, Wilga recounted the incident that led to her being lost. She had suffered a head injury when her vehicle rolled down a slope, which left her disoriented and prompted her to exit the car, unwittingly leading her away from safety. Thankfully, she was spotted by a passing driver, Tania Henley, who contacted authorities, resulting in Wilga being airlifted to a hospital in Perth where she is now on the mend.
In her statement to the Western Australia Police shared via Instagram, Wilga expressed, "I want to express a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart – a thank you that truly comes from the depth of my soul." She addressed her bizarre decision to leave her vehicle despite having adequate supplies, clarifying that her confusion stemmed from the impact of the crash.
Reflecting on her experience, Wilga shared how the ordeal changed her perspective. "I didn't know where my place was in a culture on the other side of the world to my own, but now, I feel a part of it," she stated, commending the compassion and solidarity she received from the community. “Here, humanity, solidarity, and care for one another are what truly matter," she added.
Wilga was found more than 30 kilometers away from her van along an infrequently traveled path. Tania Henley described the moment she saw Wilga on the roadside, mentioning that the young woman looked fragile, suffering from exhaustion and dehydration, without shoes and nursing an injured foot. "I just can't believe that she survived," Henley remarked.
Prior to her rescue, Wilga was last seen at a local store in Beacon, Western Australia, on June 29. She emphasized that the outpouring of support and the hope from those searching for her provided the strength to carry on through her darkest times. Acting police inspector Jessica Securo highlighted the successful rescue as a fortunate outcome, showcasing the impactful collaboration of the community and authorities involved.
