A German backpacker, Carolina Wilga, has shared her harrowing experience of surviving for 12 days in the remote bush of Western Australia after losing control of her car. The accident, which occurred on June 29, 2023, left her with a significant head injury, leading to confusion and disorientation. Her ordeal ended when she was discovered walking along a road on July 11, 2023, by Tania Henley, a local who has since been hailed as her “rescuer” and “angel.”
In a heartfelt statement issued from her hospital room, Ms. Wilga expressed profound gratitude for the community’s efforts during the search. “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,” she stated. Her message highlighted the overwhelming kindness and solidarity she received while lost.
Authorities had located Ms. Wilga’s car, which was stuck in soft sand at Karroun Hill, but she was initially missing. Reflecting on her decision to leave the vehicle, she explained, “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.”
Despite the trauma of her experience, Ms. Wilga expressed a newfound connection to the community that united in the search for her. “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,” she said. Her sentiments reflect the deep appreciation she has developed for the people of Western Australia, who demonstrated courage and generosity during her time of need.
She continued, emphasizing the lessons she learned during her ordeal: “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.”
Ms. Wilga credited the collective efforts of many for her survival, stating, “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.”
She extended her deepest thanks to various groups, including police investigators, search teams, the German Consulate, and the medical staff who provided care. Her experience is a poignant reminder of the human spirit and the power of community in times of crisis.
As she continues her recovery, Ms. Wilga’s story serves as an inspiration, highlighting resilience and gratitude in the face of adversity.
