• “Trails more hazardous after recent rainfalls,” warns WSAR
• Incident 1 – Brazilian visitor flown from Lion’s Head
• Incident 2 – Dutch hiker flown from Silvermine Nature
• Calling sooner Saves Lives – 021 937 0300
Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) teams were called into action twice on Monday, responding to two separate incidents involving injured visiting hikers on popular Cape Town trails. As the region moves into a wet winter season, these incidents serve as a timely reminder that mountain trails are currently more treacherous underfoot, with wet rock, loose terrain, and slippery descents increasing the risk of slips and falls even on well-travelled paths.
Following the recent rainfall across the region, most trails are wet, slippery, and more hazardous than usual. Mud, loose rock, and slick surfaces significantly increase the risk of slips, falls, and injuries, even on familiar or popular routes.
We strongly advise extra caution, especially on descents, where tired legs, reduced visibility of footing and steeper gradients combine to make slips far more likely.
Downhill sections often present the greatest risk, particularly where rock steps, loose scree, or wet slabs are involved.
Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to slow down, test footing carefully before committing weight and avoid rushing on the way down.
Wear appropriate footwear, allow additional time and adjust plans according to conditions.
Wherever you choose to explore, careful planning and sensible decisions remain essential - #safemymate
Incident 1: Lion’s Head
Shortly before midday on Monday morning, WSAR teams, including SANParks - Table Mountain National Park members, were activated following reports that a 28-year-old Brazilian visitor had injured herself after an awkward slip and fall near the summit of Lion’s Head.
Given the nature of the terrain and her injuries, a swift aerial response was initiated. A Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS medic was deployed to the scene, where the patient was assessed and treated before being carefully airlifted by Western Cape Government
Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter to a nearby landing zone.
From there, she was transported by road ambulance to hospital for further care.
This incident was concluded at 13h47.
Incident 2: Silvermine
Later that afternoon, teams were called to Silvermine Nature Reserve after a 24-year-old Dutch hiker injured his leg after stepping awkwardly.
A small team onboard the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter was flown directly to the scene. After assessment and treatment by a paramedic, the patient was airlifted to a nearby landing zone before being transferred to an ambulance for transport to hospital.
This incident was concluded at 17h20.
We extend sincere thanks to all responding teams, air support crews, medics, and volunteers whose coordinated efforts ensured both hikers received rapid care.
• Delta Search & RescueDelta Search & Rescue
• HAMNET
• High Angle Rescue & Access
• K9 Search and Rescue Association of South Africa
• Mountain Club of SA - Search And Rescue
• Off-Road Rescue Unit - ORRU
• SARZA - Western Cape
• The Hikers Network
• Trail SAR
We wish both injured visitors a swift and full recovery.
• Save and share the correct 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 Chris Jacobs and Andrew Holmes
