German Backpacker Carolina Wilga Missing in WA's Remote Wheatbelt

Concerns are growing for the safety of a German backpacker missing in Western Australia's Wheatbelt for more than a week. Carolina Wilga, 26, has been travelling in Australia for two years and was last seen near Beacon, 330 kilometres north-east of Perth, on June 29. Detectives from the WA Police major crime squad have now joined the investigation into Ms Wilga's disappearance. Commissioner Col Blanch said the police air wing was searching bushland around the town. Ms Wilga may be travelling in a black and silver 1995 Mitsubishi van, with WA registration 1HDS 330. Now the major crime and homicide squad are investigating. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch says Ms Wilga's phone has been turned off. He said her intended destination was unknown and she could be travelling in a black-and-silver 1995 Mitsubishi van, registration 1HDS 330. Ms Wilga is of slim build with frizzy or curly long, dark or blonde hair and brown eyes. She has several tattoos. The vehicle of another missing person was found in a nearby part of the Wheatbelt in May. Barry Podmore was reported missing by his family in December. His vehicle was later found in Karroun Hills, about 40km from the Beacon townsite. There has been no sign of Mr Podmore despite extensive search efforts.