There are grave fears for German backpacker Carolina Wilga, who went missing while travelling solo in regional Western Australia.
The 26-year-old was last seen around midday on 29 June at a general store in Beacon, a small Wheatbelt town roughly 300km north-east of Perth.
Her Mitsubishi van was found on Thursday, abandoned in the remote Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, about 150km from Beacon. Police believe the vehicle had suffered mechanical issues and was discovered a significant distance from any tracks.
WA Police acting inspector Jessica Securo told ABC Radio Perth: "Our information to date is she's likely to become lost in that area, and has potentially walked away from her vehicle."
Missing German backpacker Carolina Wilga had planned to travel solo around regional Western Australia. Source: AAP / WA Police
Challenging terrain and freezing temperatures
Karroun Hill Nature Reserve spans more than 300,000 hectares and is the largest nature reserve in the south-west of WA. Authorities have described it as "outback country", with large rocky outcrops and tracks that can be difficult to navigate.
"Although there's a number of tracks, you can see how it would be easy to become lost or disorientated in that area if you didn't know it well," Securo said.
WA Police have released an image of the vehicle driven by Carolina Wilga, who has not been seen since 29 June. They believe she may have gotten lost in the outback after her car broke down. Source: AAP / WA Police
What are police investigating?
Police have ruled out foul play and believe Wilga became lost in the outback after her car broke down.
They say the van appeared to be set up for self-sufficient travel, but was no longer operational.
"The car is obviously self-sufficient … she has got solar panels, she has got water in the vehicle," Securo said. "It's just the vehicle itself is mechanically unable to be used."
Authorities are investigating whether Wilga took any supplies with her, which could aid in guiding the search.
"It's hard to say how much she has taken," Securo said. "We do know that she was planning to travel throughout regional WA and do some exploring through there."
A coordinated search is continuing, with additional resources, including aerial support, deployed to the area.
Police are urging anyone with dashcam or drone footage from the region, or any relevant information, to contact the authorities.
