Stranded, injured hikers keep rescuers busy at the weekend

RESCUE teams had their work cut out when they raced to save hikers stranded by swollen rivers, injured on popular trails, and lost overnight in the mountains.

“Time is a critical factor in any emergency, and calling the correct number ensures a faster, more efficient response that can make a significant difference to the outcome,” said WSAR spokesperson David Nel.

On Saturday morning, three hikers were left stranded in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area above Porterville when heavy rain turned a river crossing into a dangerous obstacle.

The group, who had planned to finish their hike on Thursday, became trapped and eventually contacted family to explain the delay. When they still hadn’t returned by Saturday, they were reported missing. Before a major ground search was launched, they confirmed they were safe.

Later that day, a 52-year-old woman slipped while descending Lion’s Head and badly injured her leg. Quick-thinking members of the Bellville Voetslaanklub, who had recently attended a WSAR safety presentation, immediately provided the correct emergency number to her daughter.

A helicopter rescue team was swiftly dispatched, and the woman was airlifted to hospital after being stabilised on the mountain.

On Sunday morning, a 73-year-old hiker fell and struck her head on the Contour Path above Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. She was found to be stable and was assisted safely down the trail.

In the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, four young hikers aged 19 to 29 lost their way after taking an old, disused trail and were forced to spend a freezing night in the mountains. Early on Sunday, they managed to get cellphone reception and called for help.

CapeNature rangers were dispatched and successfully guided the exhausted but unharmed hikers back to safety.

Reflecting on the weekend’s events, Nel said; “We’re truly grateful to all the rescue team members who respond so willingly. Their ongoing commitment and readiness to assist, often in tough conditions, makes a real difference and is deeply appreciated.”

“Our thoughts are with the two injured hikers, and we wish them both a smooth and full recovery,” he added.

Nel urged all hikers to call without hesitation.

“At times people delay calling because they’re worried about the cost of being rescued, but there’s no charge for wilderness rescue in the Western Cape.”

“It costs nothing to call, but waiting could cost everything, 021 937 0300,” he said.

Cape Times