German backpacker rescued in Australia sends thanks from hospital

German backpacker Carolina Wilga has thanked all those who helped her, a few days after being rescued from the Australian outback.

Wilga, 26, was missing in Western Australia for 12 days before a passer-by discovered her by chance in the outback on Friday.

"I am simply beyond grateful to have survived," Wilga said in a statement from the hospital in the south-western city of Perth where she is recovering from the ordeal, Australian media reported.

Her car was discovered on Thursday in the dense bushland of the vast Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, but there was no trace of the young woman. Wilga has now recounted for the first time what exactly happened.

Why did she leave her car?

"Some people might wonder why I even left my car, even though I had water, food, and clothing there," she wrote.

"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."

Wilga expressed her "deepest thanks" for the incredible support during the search operation.

"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 wrote.

The 26-year-old had been travelling through Australia for two years, finaning the trip by working along the way, including in mines.

Special thanks to her rescuer

In addition to the police, search teams, and the German consulate, Wilga also thanked the nurses who took care of her "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!" she wrote.

Local resident Tania Henley discovered Wilga on a path in the outback on Friday and took her in her car to the nearest town.

According to the police, Wilga had been drinking rainwater and water from puddles and had slept in caves.

She was exposed to both torrential rain and sub-zero temperatures, as well as the intense Australian sun, the police said.

The disappearance of the German woman, who was travelling in a van, triggered a massive search operation.

Her phone was switched off - which increased concerns because she had previously been in regular contact with her family, who live in the city of Castrop-Rauxel in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Wilga's mother posted on social media to encourage the police search for her daughter.

When the backpacker was eventually found, she was dehydrated, exhausted, and hungry.

But authorities said she had come off relatively lightly: Despite her odyssey, she only suffered injuries such as sunburn, numerous insect bites, bruises, cuts and a foot injury.