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Lost German Tourist Found Alive in Australian Outback After 12 Days
A German tourist, Carolina Wilga, 26, has been found alive after going missing for 12 days in the remote Australian Outback. Wilga was last seen on June 29th at a general store in the small town of Beacon, Western Australia. Her abandoned van was discovered on Thursday, prompting an extensive search by air and ground crews.
A member of the public found Wilga on Friday, wandering along a forest trail in the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, about 22 miles north of Beacon. Authorities described her as being in a fragile state but without serious injuries. She was airlifted to a Perth hospital for treatment.
Inspector Martin Glynn of the Western Australia Police Force expressed relief at Wilga’s discovery, calling it a “great result” and a “miracle,” given the challenging conditions of the vast nature reserve. He anticipates her story of survival will be remarkable. The area where she was lost covers over 740,000 acres and experiences harsh conditions, including near-freezing overnight temperatures.
Police believe Wilga’s van, a modified Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon equipped with solar panels and water reserves, became stuck in the mud. Recovery boards were found placed under the rear wheels, indicating she had attempted to free the vehicle. Foul play is not suspected.