Carolina Wilga, the German backpacker who survived 12 days lost in the West Australian outback, has released a heartfelt thank you message from her hospital bed in which she revealed why she left her broken-down car at the start of her ordeal.

The 26-year-old was picked up on the side of the road on Friday and has spent the time since recovering, but today released her first public statement following her rescue, alongside a picture of her in hospital this morning.

“I am certain that I survived only thanks to this incredible outpouring of support,” she said.

“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.

“For this, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart…

“I am simply beyond grateful to have survived.

“Thank you Australia – you are amazing.”

Wilga also addressed why she left her Mitsubishi van, indicating she had become concussed during the crash in which it became bogged in rough terrain in Karroun Hill Reserve in the WA Wheatbelt region, more than 300km north-east of Perth.

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

“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 survived by drinking from puddles and finding shelter in a cave as temperatures fell to sub-zero and heavy rain hit the region.

Police said Wilga was suffering from exhaustion, dehydration and a series of minor injuries, including extensive mosquito bites and sunburn.

“My deepest thanks also go to every single person who simply thought of me – and of course, to my rescuer and angel, Tania,” Wilga said.

Henley said Wilga had been “thin and fragile” when she rescued her.

“I pulled over and got out and gave her a hug,” Henley said.

“She was crying. It was pretty emotional… everybody would be fragile, you know.

“Twelve days to be missing out in the bush, it’s usually not a good result.”

Wilga was flown from the Wheatbelt to a hospital in Perth on Friday evening, where she has since been visited by friends.

Carolina Wilga’s full statement

First and foremost, I want to express a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart – a thank you that truly comes from the depth of my soul! For all the incredible supports during the search for me.

Previously, I didn’t know where my place was in a culture on the other side of the world to my own, but now, I feel a part of it. I am deeply impressed by the courage, helpfulness, and warmth that has been shown to me here. Western Australia has taught me what it really means to be part of a true community. Here, humanity, solidarity, and care for one another are what truly matter – and in the end, that’s what counts most.

I am certain that I survived only thanks to this incredible outpouring of support. 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. For this, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Especially to the police investigators, searchers, the German Consulate, the medical staff and the wonderful nurses who took care of me 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!

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

I am simply beyond grateful to have survived.

Thank you Australia – you are amazing.