Carolina Wilga, 26, has been found alive after going missing 12 days ago in the remote Australian wilderness.
According to WA police, the backpacker was found walking on a bush track near the reserve where she had disappeared by a member of the public.
She was subsequently airlifted out of the area and taken to the hospital, where she received medical attention.
Inspector Martin Glynn said she had sustained some injuries from the ordeal as well as a fair number of mosquito bites. He described the Western Australian bushland as “a very hostile environment” and praised her for her bravery.
On Thursday, police officers found Wilga’s abandoned vehicle approximately 150km away from Beacon, a region known for being remote and inhospitable.
Glynn said the discovery of the car itself was “a miracle”.
The Mitsubishi van was found in the Karroun Hill area and is believed to have suffered mechanical issues.
Upon discovering the car, officials launched a search and rescue operation, with planes, helicopters, and vehicles combing the area.
While there wasn’t any indication that her disappearance involved a third party, police grew more concerned after learning that her phone was turned off.
Wilga’s mother pleaded for help on Facebook, saying that she was “sorely missed.”
On Monday afternoon, the 26-year-old issued a statement saying she had crashed her car and fallen down a slope after losing control of the vehicle.
She had hit her head in the crash, which led to a state of confusion. She subsequently left the scene, despite there being food, water, and clothing in the car.
Over the next 11 days, she drank from rain and puddles and ate the minimal food that she had carried with her. At one point, she also sought shelter in a cave.
On Friday, Wilga was discovered by Ms Henley, the owner of Bimbijy Station. Henley had travelled from Beacon to pick up her trailer and found Wilga waving her hands on the side of the road.
The spot where Wilga was found was over 30 km away from where she abandoned her van.
Wilga called Henley her “angel and rescuer”.
Stay With Your Vehicle
Survival expert Kelli Jackson said the most important thing to do is to stay with your car if you ever run into mechanical problems.
Most people in emergency survival situations, however, tend to make irrational decisions due to stress.
Some people will even throw away their equipment or run in a random direction due to shock, she said.
