A German tourist missing for nearly two weeks in the remote Australian Outback has been found alive, police confirmed on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Carolina Wilga, a 26-year-old backpacker, vanished on June 29 after she was last seen at a general store in the tiny farming town of Beacon, located about 320 kilometers (200 miles) northeast of Perth, Western Australia. Her disappearance prompted an extensive search across the vast wilderness of the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, which spans over 300,000 hectares (740,000 acres).
On Thursday, a police helicopter located her abandoned 1995 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon in a remote, rugged part of the reserve, 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Beacon. The van appeared to be stuck in mud, with recovery boards under its wheels and solar panels attached, suggesting she had attempted to free the vehicle.
Police believe Wilga’s van became immobilized on the same day she left Beacon and that she had been lost in the harsh terrain ever since. Overnight temperatures in the area dropped to 2.6°C (36.7°F), and the region is known for its difficult conditions and sparse population.
Despite the extreme environment, Wilga survived and was found late Friday by a member of the public wandering along a forest trail. According to Western Australia Police Inspector Martin Glynn, she was in a “fragile” state but did not suffer any serious injuries. She was airlifted to a hospital in Perth for medical care.
“It’s a miracle,” said Insp. Glynn. “The environment out there is incredibly hostile, with tough flora and fauna. How she managed to survive under such conditions for 12 days is truly remarkable.”
Authorities said there is no evidence of foul play, and Wilga is not believed to have been the victim of a crime.
The case evoked memories of past tragedies involving backpackers in Australia, including the notorious murders committed by serial killer Ivan Milat in the early 1990s. However, this time, the story ended in relief and hope.
“She’s obviously shown incredible resilience. Once we hear her full story, I think it will be quite extraordinary,” Glynn added.
