12-Day Missing German Backpacker Rescued in Australian Bush

Rescued Backpacker Carolina Wilga

Missing in Remote Bushland

• 26‑year‑old last seen June 29 at a small general store in Beacon.
• Arrived in a Mitsubishi van, later abandoned north of the town.

Search and Air Rescue

Police launched a major land‑and‑air search after the van got stuck deep in dense bush.

Found at the Edge of a Nature Reserve

A member of the public discovered Wilga at a bush track, “ravaged by mosquitoes.” She was quickly taken to a hospital in Perth for medical treatment.

Medical Condition and Minor Injuries

• No serious injuries noted; minor wounds reported.
• Weather conditions had been “really adverse,” with temperatures dropping to zero and rain at night.

Police Interview with Inspector Martin Glynn

Inspection Highlights:

• “She’s obviously coped in some amazing conditions.”
• “There’s a very hostile environment out there, both from flora and fauna.”
• “It’s a really, really challenging environment to cope in.”
• “Hopefully, once she recovers, a better assessment can be made.”

Family Notification and Positive Outcome

Wilga’s family was notified. Inspector Glynn expressed relief, noting that the outcome “makes everything, all the effort, worthwhile – absolutely.”

Backpacker’s Career

• Spent two years backpacking around Australia.
• Worked at mine sites in Western Australia.