“Thank you, Australia – you are amazing!” – Carolina Wilga wrote that she felt like a ‘part’ of the community on the other side of the world after an outpouring of support – Image: Western Australia Police/AAP Image/dpa/picture alliance
Carolina Wilga thanked Australians for their help, saying she made it out of the wilderness because of the “outpouring of support.” She had spent 11 nights in Australia’s remote Outback.
German backpacker Carolina Wilga thanked her “rescuer and angel” in a statement she issued Monday from the hospital where she’s recovering in Perth, the state capital of Western Australia.
Wilga, who is 26 years old, was found 11 nights after she was lost in the remote Outback of Australia, having survived dangerous terrain and harsh temperatures.
Her car was spotted a day before she was rescued by a member of the public in a chance encounter.
A Western Australian police inspector told reporters last week that it was a “miracle” to have found her car because of the rugged terrain.
Wilga’s family had last heard from her on June 29, and Australian farmer Tania Henley found her on July 11.
Henley told Australia’s public broadcaster that Wilga was waving at her from the side of a road she had been walking along.
How did Carolina Wilga get lost?
Wilga had walked barefoot in the remote reserve of Outback after abandoning her van away from any established track. She wrote in her statement that she had lost control of the car.
“Some people might wonder why I even left my car, even though I had water, food, and clothing there. The answer is: I lost control of the car and rolled down a slope. In the crash, I hit my head significantly. As a result of the accident, I left my car in a state of confusion and got lost,” she said.
Australian public broadcaster ABC reported that Wilga was ultimately found over 30 kilometers (over 18.6 miles) away from where she had left her car.
Western Australian police earlier said that the traveler had survived by drinking rainwater and water from puddles.
Wilga wrote she lost control of her car and rolled down a slope, and abandoned it after – Image: Western Australia Police Force/dpa/picture alliance
What did Wilga say about her ordeal in the wilderness?
Wilga thanked the Western Australia community for their help and said she was certain she survived because of the “outpouring of support” she received from people. Her statement in full is:
“First and foremost, I want to express a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart — a thank you that truly comes from the depth of my soul! For all the incredible support during the search for me.
Previously, I didn’t know where my place was in a culture on the other side of the world to my own, but now, I feel a part of it. I am deeply impressed by the courage, helpfulness, and warmth that has been shown to me here. Western Australia has taught me what it really means to be part of a true community. Here, humanity, solidarity, and care for one another are what truly matter — and in the end, that’s what counts most.
I am certain that I survived only thanks to this incredible outpouring of support. The thought of all the people who believed in me, searched for me, and kept hoping for me gave me the strength to carry on during my darkest moments. For this, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Especially to the police investigators, searchers, the German Consulate, the medical staff and the wonderful nurses who took care of me with so much compassion. My deepest thanks also go to every single person who simply thought of me — and of course, to my rescuer and angel, Tania!
Some people might wonder why I even left my car, even though I had water, food, and clothing there. The answer is: I lost control of the car and rolled down a slope. In the crash, I hit my head significantly. As a result of the accident, I left my car in a state of confusion and got lost.
I am simply beyond grateful to have survived.
Thank you, Australia — you are amazing.”
(DW.com/NAN 15-07-25)
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