Person Unaccounted for in Germany
In the remote Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, the search continues for a missing German backpacker named Carolina Wilga. The 26-year-old was last seen in the small farming community of Beacon, about 330 kilometers northeast of Perth, on June 29, 2025[1].
Her Mitsubishi van, equipped with solar panels and water, was discovered abandoned in the Karroun Hill area, a sparse and harsh region known for its extreme heat and minimal population[2]. Authorities suspect that the van may have suffered mechanical problems, leaving Wilga stranded in this challenging environment.
Despite an extensive search effort, including the deployment of additional units to the area, there has been no sign of Wilga since her disappearance. Senior Constable Jessica Securo stated that it's likely Wilga left her vehicle and got lost in the Outback[2].
The police no longer consider foul play in Wilga's disappearance, and Senior Sergeant Katharine Venn described the case as "unexplained" and "worrisome". The investigation remains broad, as Wilga had plans to explore remote parts of Western Australia and possibly travel to the eastern coastline[1].
Search teams are currently focusing on the Wheatbelt outback region and are trying to determine what items Wilga might have taken from her van. Wilga is known to have traveled in Australia for two years, usually sleeping in hostels[3].
The police have asked people in the area to contact them if they have dashcam or drone footage from the Karroun Hill area that could potentially provide clues to Wilga's whereabouts[2]. The public's assistance is crucial in the ongoing search for Carolina Wilga.
[1] ABC News Australia. (2025, July 1). Missing German backpacker Carolina Wilga: Search for woman in Western Australia's outback continues. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-01/carolina-wilga-missing-backpacker-western-australia-search/133349680
[2] ABC News Australia. (2025, July 5). Missing German backpacker Carolina Wilga: Police no longer consider foul play in disappearance. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-05/carolina-wilga-missing-backpacker-police-no-foul-play/133385422
[3] The West Australian. (2025, July 7). German backpacker Carolina Wilga: Police continue search for missing woman in outback Western Australia. Retrieved from https://thewest.com.au/news/western-australia/german-backpacker-carolina-wilga-police-continue-search-for-missing-woman-in-outback-western-australia-ng-b881154231z
Despite the challenging environment of the Wheatbelt outback in Western Australia, Carolina Wilga's lifestyle of travel and exploration persisted. Her adventurous plan included not only remote parts of the region but also possible travel to the eastern coastline.
