On Sunday, challenging conditions in the mountains led to two back-to-back helicopter-assisted rescues, highlighting how quickly a routine hike can turn into an emergency.
The first call came from a peak between Hermanus and Stanford, where an 83-year-old British hiker collapsed while hiking with a group of five in hot conditions. A small rescue team, including a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic, was flown to the scene.
The hiker was treated for dehydration and heat exhaustion, then flown to a nearby landing zone where an ambulance transported him to hospital.
This incident was concluded at 13h09.
While Overberg teams were on this call, rescuers near Ceres were responding to reports of an injured hiker on the Witels hiking trail, a multi-day route through rugged and scenic terrain near Ceres, featuring steep canyons, rocky paths, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
On day four of the hike, a 24-year-old hiker slipped and injured his ankle.
Six members of the group climbed the side of the canyon to find cell phone reception and raised the alarm calling the emergency number - 021 937 0300.
A small team on board the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter located the injured hiker and his companion, but the terrain prevented direct access.
Rescuers were lowered to a point nearby and hiked the rest of the way to reach them. The injured hiker was treated on site, and both he and his companion were hoisted into the helicopter and flown to a nearby landing zone.
The second incident was concluded at 17h00.
Our sincere thanks to all the rescue teams involved in Sunday’s operations. Your expertise and dedication ensured both hikers received timely care. We wish them a full and speedy recovery.
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.
• Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number - 021 937 0300
• Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
Photos by Andrew Holmes and Craig Prinsloo