Fears grow as van found amid major search for German backpacker missing for over a week
WA Police Force have released CCTV footage of Carolina Wilga, 26, visiting a general store in the small town of Beacon in the sate's Wheatbelt region on June 29, where she arrived about 12.10pm.
Detective Senior Sergeant Katherine on Thursday confirmed Ms Wilga has not been seen since she left the store in a van, and that she was last heard from by friends that morning.
Ms Wilga had been backpacking in Australia for the last two years before her disappearance and had recently been working at mine sites in regional WA.
She is described as having a slim build, curly brown hair, brown eyes, and several tattoos, with a unique 'symbols' tattoo on her forearm, police have said.
Police have extended the search nationwide and issued a new urgent call to the public on Thursday for any information that may assist in their search for the backpacker.
'Someone out there must have some vital information which can assist WA Police in bringing Carolina back to her family and friends,' Detective Katherine told media.
The missing woman was last spotted driving a black and silver Mitsubishi Delica van with license plates 1HDS330, and police confirmed on Thursday afternoon the vehicle had been found without Ms Wilga.
"About 1.10pm, Thursday 10 July 2025, police located the outstanding Mitsubishi Delica van that was driven by Carolina WILGA," WA Police posted on their Facebook page.
Police said the van was discovered abandoned in the Karroun Hill area of the Wheatbelt region, and it is believed the vehicle had "suffered mechanical issues".
Ms Wilga was not located with the van, police said.
"The search to locate her is continuing, with additional resources being deployed to the area," the update said.
Meanwhile, a 'Help Find Carolina Wilga' Facebook page has been set up to aid the search for the backpacker.
Anyone with information that may be able to assist enquiries have been urged to call police on 131 144, make a report via Crime Stopper on 1800 333 000, or submit any relevant footage to a public portal set up police.
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