Cape Town hiker dies in hospital after tragic fall

A MUIZENBERG hiker died in hospital after he fell several metres while scrambling above a trail and was found critically injured. 

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams said they were called to Muizenberg on Sunday morning following a serious fall near Bailey’s Kloof. 

“A small team on board the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter was deployed to the scene, where rescuers worked swiftly to stabilise the patient. Advanced medical care was provided by a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic on site, and the hiker was then airlifted to hospital for further treatment,” said WSAR. 

The hiker later died in hospital. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

This was one of several operations rescue teams were called to respond to at the weekend. 

The teams earlier responded to a call on Lion’s Head after a 52-year-old visitor from Bloemfontein  fell while descending from the summit. 

Rescuers on board the rescue helicopter were hoisted down to the patient’s location, where she was assessed and treated by a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic before being flown to a nearby landing zone and transported to hospital by ambulance.

“In a third incident later in the afternoon, a specialised trail runner was deployed to assist two stranded British hikers, aged 27 and 28, below the Kloof Corner hiking trail. The pair became disoriented after deviating from the India Venster trail and called for help when they were unable to continue safely. The runner was able to locate them quickly and guide them safely back down the mountain, shortly before 20h00.”

• WSAR is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.
• To support their work visit: https://wsar.org.za/support-us/

Cape Times