Urgent search for Samantha Heberlein comes to an end after missing woman found in Melbourne’s north

A woman who had been missing for almost a week was found alive and safe, just as the hopes of family and searchers were fading.

Samantha Heberlein, 33, was reported missing after her Kia Sportage broke down in Tamboon, on Victoria’s southeast coast, at 8.15am on Friday.

Victoria Police confirmed she was “located safe and sound in Melbourne’s north” on Wednesday night following an extensive search.

Police believe Heberlein was able to hitchhike to Bairnsdale, about two hours west of Tamboon, where he caught a train to Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Point Cook woman Samantha Heberlein (pictured), 33, has been found safe after being reported missing almost a week ago.

The strange disappearance prompted police and the SES to launch a massive search across the east of the state.

Ms. Heberlein’s family had expressed concern for her well-being due to a medical condition.

The last confirmed contact with her, before her discovery, was with a passerby who had stopped to help her with her broken down car.

Ms Heberlein was reportedly seen on CCTV at a shopping center in Mount Waverley, in East Melbourne, on Sunday.