Backpacker Survives 12 Days Lost in Outback After Crash
German national subsisted on rain and puddle water before chance rescue
A 26-year-old German tourist has been found alive in Western Australia’s vast and remote outback after a road mishap left her disoriented and stranded for nearly two weeks. Carolina Wilga survived by rationing minimal food and collecting water from rain and puddles.
Ordeal in Karroun Hill
Ms. Wilga’s ordeal began when her van became stuck in the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve. The car accident and subsequent head injury reportedly caused her to lose her bearings. She spent eleven nights in the harsh environment before a fortunate encounter led to her rescue.
A Stroke of Luck
Her arduous journey through one of the world’s most sparsely populated regions concluded when she happened upon a road. There, a farmer’s chance sighting facilitated her recovery and return to safety.
This incident highlights the extreme conditions faced in remote areas. For instance, in 2023, Australian search and rescue missions often involve vast terrains, with air support being crucial for locating individuals lost in desolate landscapes (AFP 2023).
