thanked her “rescuer and angel” Monday in a statement she issued from the hospital in Western state capital Perth where she is recovering.
Wilga, who is 26 years old, was found 11 nights after she was lost in the remote Australian Outback, having survived the dangerous terrain and harsh temperatures there.
Wilga’s car was spotted a day before she was eventually rescued by a member of the public in a chance encounter, with a Western Australian police inspector telling reporters last week it was a “miracle” to have spotted 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, in a chance encounter.
What happened to Carolina Wilga in the Australian Outback?
Wilga had walked barefoot across a huge distance in the remote reserve after abandoning her van many miles away from any established track, with Wilga writing 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.”
Australian public broadcaster ABC reported that spot Wilga was found was located 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.
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.”
Edited by: Saim Dušan Inayatullah
The post ‘Beyond grateful’ to survive, says rescued German backpacker appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
