German backpacker Carolina Wilga had been lost in the Western Australian outback for two weeks – surrounded by nothing but desert and dirt, she was weak and dehydrated, when finally, she saw something in the distance – a car.
Wilga waved down the driver while she limped along the roadside in Karroun Hill Reserve, more than 300 kilometres north-east of Perth in the Wheatbelt region, WA Police Detective Acting Inspector Jessica Securo revealed today.
She was 20 kilometres away from the nearest walking track.
Securo said the backpacker was receiving medical attention in hospital this morning, and provided insight into what the backpacker’s condition was when she reached police.
“She was very distressed, obviously exhausted, dehydrated, needed some food… but overall just relieved that she had come across someone and was able to get that help,” Securo said.
“She actually flagged down a passing motorist, which was extremely lucky… and we’re extremely grateful to that member of the community who helped us.”
“The outback can be made of many terrains which can be quite challenging, so often if you are out there, you may think, oh, I’m never going to come across someone who may help me.”
Images of her rescue show Wilga arriving back in Beacon and walking from a police vehicle onto a plane to be taken to Perth for medical treatment.
Wilga had been missing since June 29.
Police were able to locate her car yesterday, which was badly bogged down. The backpacker had decided to abandon the car and start walking through the outback.
“The vehicle had mechanical failures… so Carolina left the vehicle in an attempt to seek help elsewhere,” Securo said.
“Our advice would be if you do come to be in one of those positions, stay with your vehicle, our searchers are able to find a vehicle far easier than finding a person.”
Her family in Germany have been made aware of her rescue and current condition.
