A 22-year-old Swiss hiker was airlifted from Lion’s Head on Friday morning after she injured her ankle while descending from the summit.
The visiting hiker slipped and injured herself while descending from the popular Cape Town peak after a sunrise hike with four friends.
A passing mountain guide happened upon the group and, realising that the hiker was unable to safely continue, immediately raised the alarm by calling the emergency number - 021 937 0300.
Wilderness Search And Rescue Team were immediately deployed to assist.
SANParks - Table Mountain National Park Rangers and SEAM Team members, together with Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedics were the first to reach the injured hiker. After assessing and stabilising the patient, rescuers determined that a helicopter extraction would be the safest option given her location.
Once safely secured in a rescue harness, she was hoisted from the mountainside into the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) helicopter and flown to a nearby landing zone.
She was then transported to hospital by ambulance for further medical care.
The rescue was concluded at 10h30.
We extend our best wishes to the visiting hiker for a full recovery and thank everyone who contributed to the safe and successful rescue.
• Save and share the Emergency Contact Number - 021 937 0300
• Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.
Photos by Mountain Club of SA - Search And Rescue and Fatima Sait