Three local hikers on the hunt for a lost pair of sunglasses on Table Mountain came to the rescue of a 27-year-old US trail runner who had slipped, fell and injured himself while heading down Hiddingh Ravine on Sunday, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) spokesperson David Nel, the trail runner had spent much of Sunday morning geocaching on Table Mountain after getting an early start up Skeleton Gorge.
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting activity that uses GPS-enabled devices. Participants use GPS coordinates posted on the internet to navigate to a specific point and attempt to find a container or marker at a set location.
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‘The trail runner had started making his way down Hiddingh Ravine to find another geocache when he fell several metres,’ said Nel.
”Injured and unable to call for help, as his phone battery was depleted, he attempted to drag himself back up the steep trail to Smuts Track.’
Nel added that he had been crawling for 15 minutes when the three local hikers heard his cries for help.
‘Fortuitously, the passing hikers were in the same area attempting to find a pair of sunglasses that had been lost the week before. When they heard the fallen trail runner’s calls, they immediately scrambled down the steep trail to find and help him.’
After locating the trail runner and realising that he was injured, the hikers made an urgent call to WSAR’s emergency number before assisting the trail runner back up to Smuts Track to wait for assistance.
‘While treating him, WCG Health and Wellness EMS paramedics recognised that he was not prepared for the cold conditions. They dressed him in warm clothing, and an active self-warming blanket was placed over him to help keep him warm during the stretcher carry,’ said Nel.
‘Using several rope safety systems and the Cascade Rescue Company Terra Tamer stretcher wheel, the team expertly carried the injured runner for three and a half hours over challenging terrain.’
The runner was brought to safety, and the incident was concluded shortly after 9pm.
Commenting on the incident, Nel explained that despite warm summer conditions, the prevailing summer south-easterly wind often creates cold, wet and misty conditions on the top of the mountain.
‘These wintery conditions are fatiguing and often make navigating on the mountain more difficult, especially for those not familiar with the trails,’ he added.
‘We urge all hikers and trail runners to check weather forecasts before heading out and to ensure that they have a warm layer with them at all times, just in case.’
Nel also reminded hikers and trail runners to always tell someone where they’re going and when they intend to return.
‘Pack a fully charged power bank if you plan to use a phone app to assist navigation,’ added Nel. ‘Make sure that you have saved the emergency number to your phone. Please don’t wait. If you’re lost or need help, call the number sooner.’
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Picture: Wilderness Search and Rescue WSAR Western Cape / Facebook
