In brief
Caroline Wilga survived nearly two weeks lost in the Australian bush, drinking from puddles and taking shelter in a cave, before being rescued.
A German backpacker, Caroline Wilga, has been found safe after spending nearly two weeks lost in the Australian outback. The 26-year-old was reported missing after going off-road in her van on June 29. She spent 11 chilling nights alone in bushland, surviving by drinking rainwater and taking shelter in a cave. After an extensive search effort, Caroline was finally located by motorist Tania Henley, who found her on a remote track over 30 kilometers from her abandoned vehicle. In her first statement upon rescue, Caroline expressed her immense gratitude, stating, "I am simply beyond grateful to have survived." She explained that she lost control of her car, leading to a crash that left her confused and disoriented. Despite having food and water inside her vehicle, she felt the urge to leave. Caroline credited the kindness and support from the search teams and the local community as essential to her survival. “Humanity, solidarity, and care for one another are what truly matter,” she reflected after her ordeal. Following her rescue, Caroline was airlifted to a hospital in Perth, where she is recovering from exhaustion and injuries sustained during her time in the wilderness.
